UN calls on Burkina Faso to reverse civil liberties restrictions

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has sharply criticized the government of Burkina Faso for escalating restrictions on civic space and political freedoms, warning that such measures undermine fundamental human rights protections in the country.

In a strongly worded statement, Volker Türk, the UN’s top rights official, urged Burkinabe authorities to immediately lift bans on political parties and cease imprisoning individuals for exercising their right to free expression. He emphasized that rather than silencing dissent, the government should foster an enabling environment for civil society, humanitarian actors, and pluralistic political engagement in line with Burkina Faso’s international obligations.

Political parties and civil society under threat

On January 29, 2026, Burkina Faso’s government announced plans to dissolve all political parties and repeal the legal framework governing their activities. This followed a suspension of party activities that began in September 2022, a move the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) described as deeply concerning. Over the past year, authorities have also suspended numerous national and international organizations, often citing vague justifications such as unauthorized data collection or threats to public order and security.

In July 2025, a restrictive new law on freedom of association was enacted, and since November 11, 2025, a government decree has required NGOs and associations to open and manage their bank accounts exclusively through a state-owned financial institution. These cumulative actions have severely curtailed civil society operations, contravening international human rights standards and obstructing humanitarian access to vulnerable populations without adequate mitigation measures.

While acknowledging recent releases of arbitrarily detained individuals, the OHCHR continues to receive reports of enforced disappearances and arbitrary arrests targeting journalists, judges, political leaders, and civil society activists across Burkina Faso.

Government pledges and calls for accountability

In December 2025, Burkina Faso’s government and the OHCHR agreed to a roadmap aimed at ending impunity, respecting human rights in security operations, assisting victims, and strengthening national mechanisms for torture prevention and human rights protection. However, Volker Türk stressed that these commitments must be translated into urgent, concrete actions.

He urged authorities to:

• Repeal restrictive legislation that curtails civil liberties;
• Facilitate unimpeded humanitarian assistance across the country;
• Unconditionally release all arbitrarily detained persons;
• Ensure accountability for human rights violations.

The UN High Commissioner concluded by affirming that a vibrant civic space, democratic pluralism, and a strengthened rule of law are essential for sustainable peace, security, and social cohesion in Burkina Faso.