Our research aims to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of international protection mechanisms for human rights defenders in Burundi. We focus on the challenges and obstacles they face, as well as the measures needed to guarantee their safety and autonomy in a context of repression and systematic human rights violations.Research on the international protection of human rights defenders in Burundi highlights the crucial importance of strengthening awareness and engagement of relevant actors. Despite knowledge of existing mechanisms, effective protection remains insufficient, requiring concerted efforts to ensure the safety and autonomy of defenders. Increased mobilization and the will of stakeholders are essential to overcome the challenges encountered in this repressive context.