Pierre Claver Mbonimpa describes his work as an advocate of prisoners' rights in Burundi. Mbonimpa himself was a victim of arbitrary imprisonment for two years, suffering through brutal conditions. His organization, APRODH, visits prisons and detention centers, monitoring and denouncing different kinds of violations, including torture, sexual violence, and gender-based violence. The level of torture in Burundi has been reduced by 90% thanks to his organization's efforts. He reminds us, "we cannot be discouraged, even if it means dying, to defend the rights of prisoners."

About

Pierre Claver Mbonimpa is a Burundian human rights activist often hailed as the only person willing to stand up for the rights of Hutu, Tutsi, and Batwa in a time of ruthless civil dispute. He served on the police force of Burundi until December of 1994, when he was imprisoned for two years due to false accusations. After suffering extreme cruelty and inhumane conditions during his incarceration, Pierre Claver Mbonimpa founded the Burundian Association for the Protection of Human Rights and Detained Persons.