The UN calls on Burkina Faso to promptly, thoroughly and impartially investigate all deaths and injuries related to the September 30, 2022 coup. The international institution is also concerned about the decision of the new authorities to suspend all political and civil society activities. This is what UN human rights spokesperson Seif Magango had to say about the situation in Burkina Faso.
“We are closely monitoring the human rights situation in Burkina Faso after last week’s coup. We welcome the statements of the military authorities that they will respect the country’s “international commitments, including those related to the promotion and protection of human rights. However, we remain concerned about the multiple allegations of human rights violations that continue to be reported in many parts of the country.
Safety on the front line
We remain concerned about the disastrous security and humanitarian situation facing the civilian population in the North-Central and Sahel regions, which is threatened daily with violence by non-state armed groups. Credible reports suggest that at least eight children died of malnutrition recently in the town of Djibo, which has been under siege by non-state armed groups since May 2022.
The last convoy that attempted to bring humanitarian aid to the city on September 26 was attacked by armed groups, killing 37 people, including 10 civilians.
We are also deeply concerned about the decision to suspend all political and civil society activities. We urge the military authorities to immediately reverse this arbitrary decision and effectively protect all human rights.
We note the commitment of the authorities to tackle “terrorism” decisively, but recall that all military operations, including those against non-state armed groups, must be in full compliance with applicable international human rights and humanitarian law and must ensure the effective protection of civilians.
The new authorities called to account for the collateral damage of the putsch
We call on Burkina Faso to promptly, thoroughly, and impartially investigate all coup-related deaths and injuries – including those of at least four people killed and eight injured in looting and pro-coup demonstrations since September 30 – and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
Firm repression of speeches that erode the unity of the people
We also call on the current and incoming leadership to unequivocally condemn all instances of hate speech and incitement to violence, wherever they occur, and to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable according to the law.
