Armed groups sustain terror campaign throughout Burkina Faso, escalating insecurity

 

Speaking from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso’s capital city, High Commissioner Volker Türk emphasized his office’s serious engagement in addressing the country’s complex human rights issues following the January 2022 uprisings. Türk conveyed solidarity with the Burkinabe people and highlighted the importance of collaborating with local authorities, civil society actors, human rights defenders, UN partners, and others to tackle these problems.

In his remarks, Türk underscored the crucial role of dialogue and cooperation in dealing with human rights concerns. He stressed the need for sustained efforts to engage diverse stakeholders and work towards solutions that uphold human rights standards. Türk’s comments reflected a commitment to fostering inclusive approaches that prioritize the voices and experiences of affected communities in Burkina Faso.

Türk painted a stark picture of widespread hardship, describing the dire humanitarian situation. With 2.3 million people insecure, over two million displaced, and 800,000 children out of school in a population of 20 million, Türk emphasized the urgent need for international attention and resources to address the crisis. His affirmation of the stark data highlights the need for prompt and comprehensive responses to alleviate people’s suffering.

The OHCHR reported 1,335 human rights and humanitarian law violations last year affecting at least 3,800 civilians, attributed mostly to armed groups. Türk pushed for ensuring civilian protection and accountability for perpetrators, while also recognizing challenges faced by security forces and the need for their actions to comply with international law. His emphasis on responsibility reflects a commitment to justice and the rule of law in addressing human rights violations.