50. Compulsory education begins at the age of 7 and lasts for a period of six years. Theoretically, therefore, compulsory education applies to children aged between 7 and 12.

51. In keeping with the Convention on the Minimum Age for Admission to Employment, which defines the minimum age for admission to employment or work at 15, the minimum age for admission to employment or work is set at 16 years under article 3 of the Burundi Labour Code. Derogations may be obtained, provided that the child in question is at least 12 years old. Article 126 of the Burundi Labour Code contains an exceptional clause authorizing the employment of children under16 years of age on light and healthy work or in a programme of apprenticeship, providing that such work is not harmful to them.  

44. There are some, slight, differences between civil law, which establishes the age of majority at 21 years, and matrimonial law. A man under 21 years of age may not conclude marriage with a woman aged below 18. However, the governor of the province may agree to waive the age restrictions, where sufficiently serious reasons so warrant. A man and a woman who have not attained their majority may not contract marriage without the consent of their parents. If the mother or father is deceased, or either of them is absent or subject to an order of local banishment, the consent of the other parent shall be deemed sufficient. If the child is the sole surviving member of the family, the Family Council may, upon deliberation, give the necessary consent. In November 1990, Burundi ratified the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, which establishes the minimum age for marriage at 18 years for both boys and girls (par. 2, article 21).  

46. The minimum age of criminal liability is 13 years (art. 12 to 19 of the Criminal Code). While legal minority constitutes sufficient grounds for exoneration from criminal liability, the same does not apply to civil reparations. Offences committed by minors under 13 years of age are liable for civil reparations only. Minors aged between 13 and 18 are criminally liable for offences committed, although they benefit from consideration of attenuating circumstances. […] Full criminal liability begins at the age of 18.