Ouagadougou: The Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, in charge of Relations with institutions, organized on Tuesday in Koudougou a day of communication and popularization of reference reports on the human rights situation in Burkina Faso. The activity, which took place in two parts, brought together journalists, administrative authorities, and combat forces of the National Police around the issues of promoting and protecting human rights in the context of the fight against terrorism.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the first session, held at the Splendid Hotel and attended by, among others, the governor of the Nando region, Adama Jean-Yves Bere, brought together some thirty journalists from various parts of the country. It focused on the presentation of the 2023-2025 National Report on the human rights situation in Burkina Faso, developed collaboratively with contributions from fourteen ministerial departments. Opening the proceedings, the Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Edasso Rodrigue Bayala, indicated that this meeting aimed to raise awareness of national realities in human rights and to provide media professionals with information based on official data.
Bayala emphasized that Burkina Faso continues its efforts to reconcile security imperatives with the promotion and protection of human rights, despite a context marked by terrorism. He cited several legal and institutional measures adopted by the State, including strengthening the legal framework, human rights training for combat forces, dissemination of practical guides, and the handling of cases by specialized courts.
The minister highlighted that the reports demonstrate progress made in several areas, including the gradual reconquest of the territory, the reopening of administrative services, schools, health facilities, and courts, as well as the return of many internally displaced persons to their places of origin. He urged journalists to prioritize a 'rigorous, responsible, and professional' approach to human rights issues to contribute to a better understanding of the realities on the ground.
The second session focused on the presentation of the 2015-2023 and 2024 reports, dedicated to the contribution of the National Armed Forces, the Internal Security Forces, and the Volunteers for the Defence of the Homeland (VDP) to the protection of human rights in the theatre of operations. On this occasion, Mr. Edasso Rodrigue Bayala opened a training session for National Police combat forces on respecting human rights in counter-terrorism operations. He reiterated that the fight against terrorism must remain consistent with republican values and the rules governing the use of force.
The minister stated, "Respect for human rights is not a hindrance, but a catalyst for the success of your missions," inviting participants to become ambassadors for these lessons among their colleagues. He also welcomed the support of the Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF), a partner in this training session, as well as the commitment of the administrative, military, and police authorities who contributed to its organization.
Divisional Police Commissioner Thomas Ouedraogo, Director of Continuing Education at the General Directorate of the National Police, expressed that this initiative serves as a reminder of the fundamental principles of human rights for the benefit of combat units deployed in the field. He expressed confidence that mastering these concepts would improve the professional practices of police officers and strengthen the protection of populations in the context of the fight against terrorism.
Through this day of communication and training, the government intends to strengthen public information on actions taken in the field of human rights, while consolidating the capacities of actors engaged in the defense of the nation.