As the 45th session of the Human Rights Council draws to a close, the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) and its partners in the SOS-Torture Network urge the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and all Council members to focus urgently on the Peul population of Burkina Faso. These communities find themselves caught in the escalating struggle against terrorism across the Sahel region.

Since 2016, the Peul people in Burkina Faso have endured grave human rights violations, some of which may constitute international crimes. The extent of mass killings in various localities is so profound and widespread that it could be indicative of ethnic cleansing, given its systematic and generalized nature.

These abuses frequently involve the extrajudicial execution of thousands of civilians, perpetrated either by state security forces assisted by state-backed self-defense groups or by non-state armed groups. Between January 2019 and May 2020, hundreds of civilians were massacred in areas including Yirgou, Kain Ouro, Banh, Barga, Djibo, and Tawalbougou. Furthermore, thousands of other civilians, including children, are languishing in inhumane conditions in prisons, notably in Kaya and Loumbila. These individuals are victims of arbitrary arrests and secret detentions, often without ever having access to magistrates or legal counsel. Compounding these issues, a pervasive atmosphere of discrimination and stigmatization has emerged, leaving these populations facing severe food insecurity.

Despite numerous reports and formal complaints filed with judicial bodies, the Burkinabe authorities have failed to identify and sanction those responsible for these egregious violations. We call upon the Human Rights Council to recommend that the authorities of Burkina Faso implement all necessary security and judicial measures to establish a protective environment for this vulnerable group.

Media Contact:

Iolanda Jaquemet, Communications Director
[email protected]
(+) 41 79 539 41 06

The World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) stands as the leading global coalition of non-governmental organizations dedicated to combating torture and ill-treatment. With a network spanning over 200 member organizations in more than 90 countries, its international secretariat is based in Genève, Suisse.