People of Burkina Faso fighting for human rights. Photo credit - AI Generated

HUMAN RIGHTS IN BURKINA FASO: MYTH OR REALITY?

Introduction

On December 10, 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted in a gloomy post-war context. The Second World War, with its death toll, had contributed to the trivialization of human life. It was against this backdrop that human rights came to be seen as a “policeman” for the various states, to ensure that never again would the right to life and other rights be trampled underfoot. In Burkina Faso, the security crisis has jeopardized the gains made in terms of human rights. The history, the current situation and the solutions for the respect of human rights will be analysed in the following lines.

 

Human Rights in Burkina Faso History

In 1991, Burkina Faso ratified the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Since then, the Burkinabe government has been doing its utmost to apply this international convention for the well-being of its people. The establishment of the National Council for Human Rights (CNDH) and a ministry dedicated to human rights have made Thomas Sankara’s country a good pupil when it comes to respecting this convention. As early as 1989, the country’s trade union movement, along with many other grassroots organizations, set up human rights organizations such as the Burkinabe Movement for Human and Peoples’ Rights (MBDHP).

 

Human Rights put to the Test by the Security Crisis 

Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights stipulates that “everyone has the right to liberty and security of person”. However, Burkina Faso has been facing a multidimensional crisis for the past 10 years, which has had numerous consequences: deaths, massive population displacement, school closures, all of which have severely tested respect for people’s fundamental rights. In recent years, the authorities have been trying to set the record straight, thanks to a number of initiatives that have enabled people to return to their places of origin and reopen schools and health centers. However, there remains the thorny and eternal question of collective, trade union and press freedom, which has nonetheless plummeted.

 

Human Rights Implementation Solution

For the defenders of these rights in Burkina Faso, the watchword calling on decision-makers not to violate citizens’ rights, and to guarantee them, remains the same: “the management and retention of state power through violence, negatively marks consciences and generally leads to a future of misfortune and regret”. This could contribute to the establishment of a peaceful social climate and, in turn, facilitate the development process. Raising awareness and educating schoolchildren and students about these rights could help eradicate radicalization in our countries. Lastly, criminal prosecution of those who trample on human rights would help to dissuade certain people who persist in violating this international convention. 

 

Conclusion 

The Burkinabe state plays its part in respecting human rights, despite the various relatively justified shortcomings. To make this universal principle effective, each player must play his part in honoring the Kouroukan Fouga charter and enhancing the influence of Africa.

Zougmore Abdoudramane

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