Burkina Faso: The United Nations human rights office is extremely worried by the news of killing 220 villagers
According to media reports, more than 220 civilians, including 56 children, were killed in attacks believed to have been carried out by the military in two villages in a single day in late February. .
Furthermore, at least two international media outlets – the BBC and the Voice of America – have been “temporarily suspended” in the past few days after reporting on the deadly attacks.
OHCHR Spokeswoman Marta Hurtado called for an immediate end to restrictions on press freedom and civic space.
“The right to freedom of expression, including the right to access information, is vital in any society and even more so in the context of transition in Burkina Faso,” she said in one declare.
Burkina Faso has been under military rule since early 2022 amid an uprising by extremist fighters that sparked a series of coups and counter-coups.
Captain Ibrahim Traoré was appointed transitional president in September 2022 and the transitional government has continued to fight the rebels and reported further counter-coup efforts.
The allegations could not be verified
Ms. Hurtado added that while OHCHR has not been able to independently verify reports of the alleged massacre due to inaccessibility, It is important that allegations of such serious violations and abuses by various actors come to light. and that the transitional authorities promptly conduct a thorough, objective and effective investigation.
“Perpetrators must be held accountable and victims’ rights to truth, justice and compensation must be respected. Fighting impunity and pursuing accountability is paramount to ensure people’s trust in the rule of law and social cohesion,” she emphasized.
Multifaceted challenge
Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, visited the country at the end of Marchwhere he highlighted the multifaceted challenges facing Burkinabè since the overthrow of the democratically elected government in January 2022.
In total, some 6.3 million out of a population of 20 million needed humanitarian assistance, and in 2023, OHCHR documented 1,335 violations and abuses of international human rights and humanitarian law involving at least 3,800 people. civilian victims.
Mr. Türk: “Armed groups are responsible for the majority of violations against civilians in incidents involving more than 86% of victims.” speak, emphasized that “protection of civilians is paramount. Such wanton violence must stop and perpetrators must be held accountable.”
