44th Universal Periodic Review: UK Review on Burkina Faso
The UK delivered a statement during Burkina Faso’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Thank you, Mr Vice President,
We welcome the Burkinabe authorities’ cooperation with the OHCHR and their commitment to strengthening cooperation with international human rights bodies.
However, we are concerned about allegations of widespread human rights violations and abuses, including indiscriminate killings of civilians by security forces. We urge the authorities to investigate these fully.
We would also like to see greater emphasis on women’s rights, including curtailing early marriage, gender-based violence and female genital mutilation, as well as the strengthening of civic space to help ensure an inclusive democratic transition.
We recommend the Burkinabe authorities:
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Take all necessary measures to ensure its military forces and aligned groups operate with full respect for human rights and international humanitarian law.
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Complete the implementation of the National Strategy for the Prevention and Elimination of Child Marriage 2016–2025 and take steps to review and renew this strategy beyond 2025; and
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Promote an inclusive transition to civilian government by opening up civic space, promoting and protecting the rights to freedom of expression and of assembly and association.
Thank you.