Brief presentation of the Iteka League
The Iteka League was created in 1991 on the initiative of a group of executives from various socio-professional categories, including university professors, lawyers, religious leaders, etc. It was officially recognized by Order No. 550/029 of February 6, 1991, thus becoming the first Burundian human rights organization to be legally recognized and to operate openly in Burundi.
1. Vision and core values of the League
1.1. Vision of the League
The Iteka League would like to contribute to building a unified and democratic Burundi where peace and security reign, based on the rule of law, social justice, prosperity, and the common good—a society that promotes meritocracy and is inhabited by free citizens who enjoy all their fundamental rights.
1.2. Core values of the League
In its daily activities, the League promotes a series of values. Thus, human rights activists belonging to the Iteka League must be people of integrity who are devoted to the cause of human rights, which they defend with honesty and humility.
He must be courageous and persevering. He must be tolerant and objective in all his actions.
2. Mission and objectives of the League
The mission of the Iteka League is to defend and promote human rights and prevent violations thereof.
The objectives are, in particular:Click to apply
• defend human beings against violations of their rights, in particular their fundamental freedoms and rights;
• prevent violations of human rights and freedoms, in particular fundamental freedoms and rights;
• Develop each individual’s ability to take responsibility for defending and promoting their own rights and those of others, regardless of gender or regional, ethnic, clan, political, religious, or other affiliations.
• develop everyone’s ability to participate fully, actively, and responsibly in building a state governed by the rule of law;
• Keep both the national and international public objectively informed about the human rights situation in Burundi.
3. Organizational structure of the League
With more than 3,000 members spread across the country, the Iteka League is now ranked among the organizations with the most representation on the ground, notably through branches and human rights observers based in all provinces of the country and, in some places, at the municipal level.
3.1. The General Assembly
It is the supreme body of the Association. It meets twice a year in ordinary session and, whenever necessary, in extraordinary session. It is during these meetings that members make decisions that are crucial for the development of the Association in general and human rights in particular. These assemblies bring together members from all regions of the country through delegates from provincial sections and members of thematic commissions.
3.2. The Executive Committee
This is the body responsible for the administration and management of the Association. It usually meets once a week and, if necessary, holds extraordinary meetings. It is composed of 11 members: a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary General, and eight committee chairpersons.
3.3. The Executive Secretariat
It is a support service responsible for implementing the decisions of the decision-making bodies, particularly those of the Executive Committee. It is headed by an Executive Secretary. It also includes a Deputy Executive Secretary responsible for Administration and Finance, a Deputy Executive Secretary responsible for Information, and program officers.
3.4. The Federations
The League is organized into Commissions:
• Women and Children Committee, • Police, Courts, and Prisons Committee, • Youth Committee, • Civil Liberties Committee. • Human Resources and Training Committee, • Material and Financial Resources Committee, • Information and Communication Committee, • Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights Committee.
3.5. The Sections
The League is also organized into sections, which serve as basic structures, according to the statutes. They are currently established in all provinces. Some provinces have two sections. These are the provinces of Cankuzo, Makamba, and Muyinga. Each section has a section office composed of a head, a deputy head, a treasurer, a secretary, and commissioners, depending on the specific characteristics of the region.
The sections also meet in a General Assembly once every quarter. The location of the sections can be found in the appendix.
4. Partnership and consultation frameworks
4.1. Partners and donors of the League
Since its creation, the League has benefited from the support and funding of various partners and donors. Some have remained, while others have revised their partnership in line with developments in the sectors of intervention. The League currently collaborates with the following partners and donors:
• Oxfam NOVIB • 11.11.11 • HCR • USAID • Christian Aid • Développement et Paix • Search For Common Ground • LDGL • Agir ensemble • FIDH • CNLS • Global rights • PNUD • Amnesty International • UIDH • IANSA • UNIFEM • Union Européenne • Cooperation Suisse • NED • ICCO • ACORD – Burundi • Fonds du Primat
4.2. Consultation frameworks
Currently, the Iteka League:
• has special consultative status with ECOSOC,
• is a member of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH),
• serves as vice-president of the Inter-African Union for Human Rights (UIDH),
• serves as Vice-President of the OAG and the LDGL,
• chairs FORSC.
It should be noted that the League was behind the creation of FORSC, OAG, and LDGL.
5. Current projects
• Combating violence against women and children
• Legal assistance
• Monitoring repatriation
• Strengthening of sections
• Human Rights Observatory
• Promotion of freedom of expression
• Strengthening information capacities
• Support for vulnerable children and orphans