39/4 Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review - Burkina Faso

GE.18-11224 (E) 170718 190718



Human Rights Council Thirty-ninth session

10–28 September 2018

Agenda item 6

Universal periodic review

Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review*

Burkina Faso

* The annex is being circulated without formal editing, in the languages of submission only.

United Nations A/HRC/39/4

General Assembly Distr.: General 6 July 2018

English

Original: English/French

2 GE.18-11224

Introduction

1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance

with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its thirtieth session from 7 to 18 May 2018.

The review of Burkina Faso was held at the 2nd meeting, on 7 May 2018. The delegation of

Burkina Faso was headed by the Minister of Justice, Human Rights and Civic Promotion,

Besolé René Bangoro. At its 10th meeting, held on 11 May 2018, the Working Group

adopted the report on Burkina Faso.

2. On 10 January 2018, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of

rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Burkina Faso: Spain, Togo and Venezuela

(Bolivarian Republic of).

3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution

5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21, the following documents

were issued for the review of Burkina Faso:

(a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with

paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/30/BFA/1);

(b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High

Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b)

(A/HRC/WG.6/30/BFA/2);

(c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c)

(A/HRC/WG.6/30/BFA/3).

4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Belgium, Brazil, Germany, Liechtenstein,

Portugal, Slovenia, Sweden, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and

Uruguay was transmitted to Burkina Faso through the troika. These questions are available

on the website of the universal periodic review.

I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process

A. Presentation by the State under review

5. The delegation of Burkina Faso stated that the national report had been drafted, in an

inclusive and participatory manner, by a multisectoral committee bringing together

government actors and civil society organizations.

6. In order to implement the 138 recommendations accepted during the second review

cycle, a national action plan that also took account of treaty body recommendations had

been adopted for 2014–2017. As at 31 December 2017, the implementation rate for the

accepted universal periodic review recommendations stood at 92 per cent. In fact, only

three of the recommendations had not been carried out fully, namely those concerning the

adoption of a child protection code, the ratification of the International Labour Organization

Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189), and the ratification of the Kampala

amendments to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. However, the process

of implementing the three recommendations had begun.

7. In the legislative sphere, between 2013 and 2017, 32 new human rights laws had

been adopted, and eight international human rights instruments had been ratified.

8. With regard to the independence of the justice system, national consultations on

justice held in March 2015 had provided an opportunity to undertake a thorough evaluation

of the functioning of the system and had resulted in the adoption of the National Pact for

Justice Reform, the aim of which was to consolidate the rule of law. Significant progress

had subsequently been made with regard to certain judicial cases that had been pending for

many years.

9. In addition, amendments made to the Constitution in 2015 had strengthened the

independence of the judiciary. The Supreme Council of Justice was no longer presided over

GE.18-11224 3

by the Head of State, but by the First President of the Court of Cassation. Moreover, the

right to bring cases related to the constitutionality of laws before the Constitutional Court

had been extended to all citizens.

10. A legal aid fund had been set up and operationalized in 2016. An increase in the

resources allocated to the fund had made it possible to raise the number of beneficiaries

from 69 in 2016 to 239 in 2017.

11. The reform process was ongoing, with reviews of the Constitution, the Criminal

Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Personal and Family Code under way. The

major developments in that context concerned the enshrinement in the Constitution of

certain economic, social and cultural rights such as the rights to food and adequate housing,

the abolition of the death penalty, the definition of marriage, and the harmonization of the

age of civil majority and the marriageable age at 18 years for women and men.

12. In terms of public policies, the National Economic and Social Development Plan for

2016–2020 sought to boost per capita income cumulatively as a means of reducing poverty,

building human capacity and meeting basic needs in a fair and sustainable social

environment. As part of the Plan’s implementation, several sectoral policies covering

various fields of human rights had been adopted.

13. As for the sectoral policy on justice and human rights, the vision of Burkina Faso

was to have, by 2027, a justice system that was credible, accessible to all and respectful of

the rule of law, such that women and men were guaranteed the exercise of their rights in the

interests of a peaceful and united nation.

14. At the institutional level, the High Council for Reconciliation and National Unity,

the National Observatory on Religious Affairs, the National Observatory for the Prevention

and Management of Community Conflicts and the High Council for Social Dialogue had all

been established. In addition, the mandates of the Supreme Council of Justice, the State

Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority and the National Human Rights Commission had

been strengthened.

15. With respect to the National Human Rights Commission, major innovations had

been introduced to bring it into line with the principles relating to the status of national

institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (Paris Principles) pursuant to

a law adopted in 2016. Its members had been sworn in in March 2018, and the Commission

would be allocated its budget in 2018.

16. Concerning freedom of the press, Burkina Faso had been the top-ranked country in

francophone Africa since 2015 according to the World Press Freedom Index compiled by

Reporters Without Borders.

17. In the field of health, the number of doctors per 100,000 inhabitants had grown from

4.8 in 2014 to 6.3 in 2016 and, with a view to fostering a community-based approach to

health care, 17,668 community workers had been recruited in 2017 to cover all the villages

in the country.

18. Continuing its efforts to combat female genital mutilation, Burkina Faso had

adopted a new national strategic plan for 2016–2020 to promote the elimination of the

practice of excision, which had helped to lower the average prevalence among girls aged

under 15 years, punish the perpetrators of the practice and improve the care afforded to

victims.

19. Regarding access to drinking water, the most recent statistics available pointed to an

improvement. In rural areas, the rate of access had increased from 63.5 per cent in 2013 to

66.2 per cent in 2017. In urban areas, it had risen from 86.2 per cent to 91.7 per cent over

the same period.

20. Notwithstanding the efforts made, the country was facing economic and financial

constraints that were having a negative impact on the effective enjoyment of human rights.

Moreover, Burkina Faso had repeatedly been the target of terrorist attacks that had claimed

numerous civilian and military victims and had caused significant material damage. In

order to provide an effective response to the situation, the National Intelligence Agency and

the National Defence and Security Council had been created. In addition, the country had

4 GE.18-11224

strengthened its subregional and international cooperation in the fight against terrorism. In

that respect, it was participating actively in the Group of Five for the Sahel (Sahel G-5). Its

cooperation with neighbouring countries had also been bolstered with the aim of joining

forces in the fight against terrorism. The Government ensured that all measures taken to

counter threats were in line with its international human rights commitments.

21. Furthermore, to build the resilience of the population, an emergency programme for

the Sahel region for 2017–2020 had been launched in 2017 to increase access to basic

social services.

22. The atmosphere of insecurity, exacerbated by the lack of State resources, had

favoured the development of local security initiatives in some regions of the country. The

serious violations of fundamental rights and freedoms and of the principles of the rule of

law committed by the people behind those initiatives were, however, regrettable, even

though their actions had often been applauded by the population. To meet that challenge, a

decree defining the modalities for public participation in the implementation of

neighbourhood police forces had been adopted in November 2016. In addition, training and

awareness-raising activities were carried out to induce those forces to incorporate respect

for human rights in their work and improve their collaboration with defence and security

forces. Legal proceedings had been instituted against persons suspected of ill-treatment.

From 2015 to 30 April 2018, national courts had prosecuted 151 individuals, of whom 52

had been sentenced to fines and/or imprisonment for various offences.

23. Lastly, Burkina Faso was firmly committed to the promotion and protection of

human rights and counted on the assistance of its partners and the support of the

international community.

B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review

24. During the interactive dialogue, 87 delegations made statements. Recommendations

made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report.

25. Belgium welcomed the abolition of the death penalty for children and the efforts

made to improve the status of women and children. It remained concerned about violence

against them and the extremely high rate of child marriage.

26. Benin congratulated Burkina Faso for the various initiatives taken to improve the

human rights situation and for agreeing to implement its recommendations following its

previous review.

27. Botswana welcomed the ratification by Burkina Faso of treaties, including the Paris

Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the

National Action Plan for Human Rights and the Promotion of Civic Values for the period

2012–2022, the Action Plan to Implement the National Gender Policy and the 2015

National Pact for Justice Reform.

28. Brazil commended Burkina Faso for its adoption of the National Action Plan for

Human Rights and the enhancement of other normative and institutional frameworks for the

promotion and protection of human rights.

29. Bulgaria noted with appreciation the developments in the normative and institutional

framework and praised Burkina Faso for the implementation of the 2015 Act on prevention

and punishment in respect of violence against women and girls.

30. Burundi welcomed the legislative and institutional measures adopted by Burkina

Faso since its previous review as an expression of the determination of the Government to

implement the accepted recommendations and improve the human rights situation.

31. Cabo Verde welcomed the legislative and institutional measures that Burkina Faso

had taken over the previous five years, including the act on compulsory universal health

insurance and the law on the prevention and suppression of violence against women and

girls.

GE.18-11224 5

32. Canada commended Burkina Faso for its adoption of legislation for the protection of

human rights defenders and the prevention, repression and redress of violence against

women and girls.

33. The Central African Republic noted that, despite progress, particularly in the fight

against terrorism both at the national and the international levels, many challenges and

concerns remained.

34. Chile congratulated Burkina Faso for its establishment of a national human rights

commission, its adoption of public policies to empower women and for the eradication of

child marriage and female genital mutilation.

35. The Republic of the Congo welcomed the strengthening by Burkina Faso of the

normative framework of human rights and the protection of children, women and the

establishment of a universal health insurance scheme.

36. Costa Rica welcomed the establishment by Burkina Faso of a national observatory

for the prevention of torture and the law on the elimination of discrimination against

women. It expressed concerns about the persistence of the death penalty in the legislation of

Burkina Faso.

37. Côte d’Ivoire commended Burkina Faso for its efforts to implement the

recommendations of the previous review cycle, despite the challenging circumstances

related to the country’s crisis and the terrorist threat.

38. Cuba welcomed the adoption by Burkina Faso of the law on the prevention,

repression and redress of violence against women and girls and the implementation of the

new national plan for economic and social development.

39. The Democratic Republic of the Congo noted the efforts Burkina Faso had made to

implement the recommendations accepted in the previous review cycle. It raised issues on

the legal age of marriage and the right of inheritance for a married woman after the death of

the husband.

40. Denmark welcomed efforts by Burkina Faso to improve detention conditions despite

long delays in the adjudication of criminal cases and prison overcrowding. It stressed that,

despite legal provisions to protect women, they remained subject to considerable

discrimination.

41. Djibouti welcomed measures Burkina Faso had taken, particularly those relating to

the Supreme Council of the Judiciary, the Supreme State Control and Anti-corruption

Authority and the National Human Rights Commission.

42. Egypt commended Burkina Faso for its the diligent efforts to improve the human

rights situation on the political, civil, economic and social levels. It also welcomed the

efforts it had made to improve the situation of women and persons with disabilities.

43. Equatorial Guinea welcomed the approval in 2014 by Burkina Faso of the National

Civil Registry Strategy, whose application had contributed to the creation between 2014

and 2017 of 5,000 new secondary registration centres to facilitate the registration of births.

44. Ethiopia commended Burkina Faso for having identified priority areas in the

promotion and protection of human rights and having transformed the normative and

institutional frameworks and public policies for the promotion and protection of human

rights.

45. France welcomed the significant progress Burkina Faso had made in the fields of

democracy and the rule of law since the insurrection of October 2014, the elections that had

been held in 2015 and 2016 and the draft constitution, which provided for the abolition of

the death penalty.

46. Gabon welcomed the measures Burkina Faso had taken aimed at combating

terrorism, protecting vulnerable groups, supporting women and girls who were victims of

violence, promoting women’s access to land and eradicating harmful practices and

discrimination against people accused of witchcraft.

6 GE.18-11224

47. Georgia appreciated the strengthened cooperation of Burkina Faso with treaty

bodies. It welcomed the law establishing a national human rights commission.

48. Germany commended Burkina Faso for the improvements it had made regarding the

democratization process and fighting corruption, but remained concerned about continuing

violence against women and girls and about the death penalty.

49. Ghana commended Burkina Faso for the legislation it had passed on the sale of

children, child prostitution and child pornography and torture. It welcomed the independent

Commissions of Enquiry established to bring perpetrators to justice and give reparations to

victims. It appreciated the measures taken on terrorism.

50. Haiti referred to the National Economic and Social Development Plan for the period

2016–2020, the 2015 National Pact for Justice Reform, the decree No. 2016-311 on free

health care, and the consultation process on the Constitution reform.

51. Honduras welcomed the establishment by Burkina Faso of the National Human

Rights Commission, the National Action Plan on Human Rights and the Promotion of Civic

Values, Act No. 061-2015/CNT on violence against women and girls, and the gender

equality action plan.

52. Iceland welcomed the impact that had been made by the national strategy for the

acceleration of girls’ education. It was concerned about the high rate of early pregnancy and

that many girls discontinued their schooling to support their families.

53. India welcomed the establishment by Burkina Faso of the National Human Rights

Commission. It noted the growing unemployment rate among young people and women in

urban areas. It welcomed the legislation that had been passed on a universal health system

and on violence against women and girls.

54. Indonesia appreciated the establishment by Burkina Faso of the national action plan

to implement the recommendations made in the previous review, as well as the national

strategies on child labour for the period 2018–2025, on girls’ education and on inclusive

education.

55. The Islamic Republic of Iran commended Burkina Faso for the improvements it had

made regarding the fight against the sale of children, child prostitution, child pornography

and corruption. It encouraged it to take further measures to combat human trafficking,

particularly of women and children.

56. Iraq commended Burkina Faso for the efforts it had made to implement the

recommendations made in the previous review, as well as its adoption of the national

human rights action plan for the period 2012–2022 and measures to defeat terrorism.

57. Ireland was concerned by the reports of threats, harassment and intimidation of

human rights defenders and by incidents of female genital mutilation, early and forced

marriages and domestic violence. It urged Burkina Faso to adopt a comprehensive

awareness-raising campaign on those matters and to work towards a comprehensive child

code.

58. Israel commended Burkina Faso on its human rights commitment, despite its

political turmoil and the challenges in the Sahel region, including terrorism.

59. Italy appreciated the adoption by Burkina Faso of specific laws that prevented and

repressed violence against women and protected human rights defenders.

60. Kenya commended Burkina Faso on its national human rights action plan, the

establishment of the National Human Rights Commission, the promotion of civic values

and the adoption of the national gender policy.

61. Lesotho welcomed the legislation Burkina Faso had passed to combat the sale of

children, child prostitution and child pornography, torture and violence against women and

girls. It noted the ratification by Burkina Faso of key international human rights

instruments. It called upon States to provide technical and financial assistance to Burkina

Faso.

GE.18-11224 7

62. Luxembourg saluted the legal improvements Burkina Faso had made on women’s

rights and the fact that the new draft constitution reinforced human rights and abolished the

death penalty. It referred to allegations of torture and ill-treatment in detention centres,

detention conditions, the high maternal mortality rate and early and forced marriages.

63. Madagascar highlighted the ratification by Burkina Faso of international treaties and

its adoption of laws that addressed violence against women and girls, the sale of children,

child prostitution and child pornography. It encouraged Burkina Faso to make further

efforts towards achieving universal health coverage. Madagascar invited the international

community to support Burkina Faso in implementing the recommendations.

64. Maldives noted the legislative measures Burkina Faso had taken on women rights

and gender equality. It welcomed the adoption of the law to prevent violence against

women and girls, and commended Burkina Faso for its National Strategy for the Promotion

and Protection of Young Girls for the period 2017–2026.

65. Mali noted various laws in Burkina Faso on the sale of children, the prevention of

torture and on ensuring national reconciliation, as well as the progress that had been made

in the area of employment. It encouraged the international community to support Burkina

Faso.

66. Mauritania noted the adoption by Burkina Faso of various laws, including the

review of the Constitution. It invited the international community to support Burkina Faso.

67. Mauritius commended Burkina Faso for the measures it had taken to eradicate

poverty and improve access to water and sanitation, the National Economic and Social

Development Plan for the period 2016–2020, and efforts to improve the health sector, for

the economic empowerment of women and for universal access to education, and to ensure

inclusive education for children with disabilities.

68. Mexico acknowledged the law Burkina Faso had passed to establish a national

human rights commission and national strategies to promote girls’ education and inclusive

education. It welcomed the law on the rights of persons with disabilities.

69. Montenegro noted the adoption by Burkina Faso of a comprehensive set of measures

to strengthen the legislative and institutional framework for human rights protection, in

particular the national action plan for human rights, and encouraged the Government to

ensure its effectiveness.

70. Mozambique commended Burkina Faso for, inter alia, the adoption of various social

and economic development frameworks and the strengthening of the National Human

Rights Commission.

71. The delegation of Burkina Faso took the floor again to note that Burkina Faso had

made progress in the field of education over the previous two decades thanks to the

implementation of a range of programmes, including the Programme for Strategic

Development in Basic Education for 2012–2021, the National Strategy for the Acceleration

of Girls’ Education for 2012–2021 and the National Strategy for the Development of

Inclusive Education for 2016–2020. The implementation of the programmes had helped to

increase the gross enrolment rate for girls by 6.7 per cent between 2013 and 2016. In

addition, the gross enrolment rate for girls in 2017 was significantly higher than that for

boys, as were their completion rate for primary education and their success rate for the

technological and vocational baccalaureate. Burkina Faso intended to consolidate its

achievements through a number of proposed actions.

72. Regarding the protection of children and other vulnerable persons from human

trafficking, the delegation of Burkina Faso mentioned the establishment of a child labour

monitoring system, the development and approval of 45 indicators to monitor and protect

children, and the draft strategy to combat the worst forms of child labour that was pending

adoption by the Council of Ministers. To combat child marriage, Burkina Faso had taken

steps such as adopting the National Strategy for the Prevention and Elimination of Child

Marriage for 2016–2025, establishing a multisectoral platform for the prevention and

elimination of child marriage and carrying out a project to combat child marriage for 2016–

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2019. In addition, the Personal and Family Code was being reviewed to set the

marriageable age at 18 years for both sexes.

73. As for the protection of persons living with HIV/AIDS, a law had been adopted to

protect them from all forms of discrimination.

74. Concerning violence against women, a law had been adopted in 2015 on the

prevention, punishment and reparation of violence against women and girls, and support for

victims. Moreover, a national strategy for the protection and empowerment of girls had

been adopted in 2017. Modules on sexual harassment and reproductive health had been

included in the training given to pupils and teachers, and campaigns had been organized to

raise awareness in that regard.

75. In terms of health infrastructure, there were 1,760 health and welfare centres

throughout Burkina Faso.

76. The country was on the path to abolishing the death penalty, and awareness-raising

activities had been conducted. Furthermore, the abolition of the death penalty was

enshrined in the new draft Constitution and the new draft Criminal Code.

77. Regarding the follow-up given to the recommendations accepted during the previous

review cycle, a national mechanism had been set up to monitor the implementation of

universal periodic review recommendations, as had a national mechanism for drafting the

reports to be submitted to international bodies.

78. The protection of human rights defenders was guaranteed in the Freedom of

Association Act and the Act on the Protection of Human Rights Defenders adopted in 2017.

79. In addition, Burkina Faso had ratified the Convention against Torture and Other

Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the Optional Protocol thereto,

and the National Observatory for the Prevention of Torture and Related Practices had been

established.

80. To combat terrorism, the country had created special police and gendarmerie units

and a judicial centre specialized in the punishment of terrorist acts.

81. The Government had produced a draft strategic prison plan aimed at improving

prison conditions by 2022. Concerning detainees’ access to a fair trial, steps had been taken

to strengthen defence rights.

82. The delegation of Burkina Faso indicated that the Koglweogo were not militias but

security forces established by local communities to help to fight organized crime. Rights

violations resulting from their actions were always punished, and efforts were still ongoing

to ensure better supervision of their activities.

83. Namibia commended Burkina Faso for its adoption of several initiatives relating to

human rights, such as the National Economic and Social Development Plan, despite the

social and economic crisis it had experienced.

84. Nepal welcomed initiatives Burkina Faso had taken on curbing corruption,

preventing torture, protecting the rights of children and the elderly and respecting the role

of human rights defenders. It encouraged the Government to make the National Human

Rights Commission fully functional.

85. The Netherlands welcomed the adoption by Burkina Faso of a law on human rights

defenders and encouraged the Government to implement it and continue its efforts to create

a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders.

86. The Niger welcomed the strengthening by Burkina Faso of its legislative and

institutional framework on human rights. It also welcomed its establishment of the National

Economic and Social Development Plan for the period 2016–2020 to enhance the effective

enjoyment of human rights.

87. Nigeria noted with satisfaction the efforts Burkina Faso had made to strengthen its

institutional framework for the promotion and protection of human rights and commended

it for its adoption of a number of legislations in that regard.

GE.18-11224 9

88. The Philippines welcomed the strengthening by Burkina Faso of the domestic

framework on human rights and lauded it for its ratification efforts. It noted persistent

reports that the practice of early and forced marriage was still prevalent in the country.

89. Portugal welcomed the establishment by Burkina Faso of the National Human

Rights Commission and the legislative and institutional initiatives it had adopted to

eliminate discrimination against women.

90. Qatar noted the adoption by Burkina Faso of the National Economic and Social

Development Plan for the period 2016–2020, the programmes aimed at promoting decent

work for women and young people and the efforts it had made to promote inclusive

education.

91. Rwanda noted the progresses Burkina Faso had made in combating discrimination

and violence against women and encouraged it to enhance such efforts. It further

encouraged Burkina Faso to expedite efforts aimed at the de facto abolition of the death

penalty.

92. Saudi Arabia commended Burkina Faso for the adoption of the National Economic

and Social Development Plan for the period 2016–2020 and the adoption of programmes

aimed at the promotion of human rights.

93. Senegal commended Burkina Faso for its efforts to promote human rights and

welcomed its adoption of laws to create the National Human Rights Commission and the

National Observatory for the Prevention of Torture.

94. Serbia commended Burkina Faso for the measures it had taken to implement the

recommendations from the previous review cycle. It also commended it on the adoption of

numerous laws and the establishment of several new institutions related to human rights.

95. Slovenia acknowledged progress made by Burkina Faso in relation to the rights of

the child. However, it expressed concern over the very high rates of early pregnancies as

well as reports of child, early and forced marriages.

96. South Africa welcomed the positive developments Burkina Faso had made since the

previous review, including the constitutional developments to ensure the justiciability of

human rights, the adoption of a national strategy for the acceleration of girls’ education and

the establishment of the Reconciliation and National Unity Commission.

97. Spain commended Burkina Faso for the adoption of a law on the protection of

human rights defenders and a law on violence against women and girls, as well as the

establishment of the National Human Rights Commission.

98. The State of Palestine commended Burkina Faso for its adoption of most of the

recommendations from the second review cycle, its efforts to develop a national human

rights action plan and to strengthen civic values, and its national policy for gender equality.

99. The Sudan appreciated the efforts Burkina Faso had made to protect and promote

human rights, despite the challenges it faced, notably through cooperation with Human

Rights Council mechanisms and the adoption of international treaties and laws that

protected human rights.

100. Sweden welcomed the legal reforms Burkina Faso had made in favour of women’s

and girls’ human rights, which nevertheless remained restricted during to ineffective

implementation thereof and harmful social practices.

101. Switzerland welcomed the adoption by Burkina Faso of the National Strategy to

Prevent and Eradicate Child Marriage and its ratification of the Optional Protocol to the

Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or

Punishment. However, it expressed its concern about reported cases of torture during

custody periods.

102. Togo congratulated Burkina Faso on the progress it had made in human rights

despite its difficult security context with threats from terrorist groups. It linked its success

to the full or partial implementation of many recommendations made in the previous review

cycle.

10 GE.18-11224

103. Tunisia welcomed the efforts Burkina Faso had made to deploy previously accepted

recommendations and, in particular, its positive efforts in the fight against terrorism,

promotion of education and protection of the rights of the child.

104. Turkey welcomed in particular the creation by Burkina Faso of a ministry dedicated

to human rights, its ratification of international instruments and promotion of human rights

outreach and increased access for girls to education, despite the many dropouts.

105. Uganda commended Burkina Faso for its commitment to improving human rights in

the country, yet encouraged it to adopt a comprehensive approach to implementing that

commitment to ensure the equitable redistribution of its benefits.

106. Ukraine commended Burkina Faso on its human rights achievements since the

previous review cycle. However, it was concerned about reports of torture and killing by

vigilante groups, violence against women and children and life-threatening and excessively

long detentions without trial.

107. The United Arab Emirates appreciated the efforts Burkina Faso had undertaken to

promote and protect human rights and basic freedoms despite the difficulties the

Government faced.

108. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland called upon Burkina

Faso to announce the comprehensive abolition of the death penalty. It encouraged it to

tackle violence against women, combat human trafficking, ensure access to education and

counter radicalization.

109. The United States of America commended Burkina Faso for having worked to re-

establish democratic governance but urged it to investigate reports of extrajudicial killings,

torture and human rights abuses by vigilante groups. It was concerned by life-threatening

prison conditions.

110. Uruguay welcomed the progress Burkina Faso had made on the rights of the child,

birth registration and curtailing early enforced marriage.

111. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela welcomed the health care provided in

Burkina Faso for women and young children, as well as family planning programmes and

its strategy for accelerated growth and sustainable development. It invited the international

community to offer assistance and cooperation to Burkina Faso.

112. Viet Nam welcomed the progress Burkina Faso had made in promoting and

protecting human rights through various socioeconomic development programmes, as well

its adoption of major human rights-related legislative texts and the creation of relevant new

institutions.

113. Yemen commended Burkina Faso for its adoption of multiple legislative acts in

relation to independence of justice and combating impunity, along with its action plans that

reflected recognized international standards and its successful programmes to implement

the Sustainable Development Goals.

114. Zambia welcomed the clear commitment of Burkina Faso to the promotion and

protection of human rights as reflected by the fact that in 2016 it had implemented 75 per

cent of the recommendations from the previous review cycle, of which it had accepted 138.

115. Zimbabwe noted the adoption by Burkina Faso of the National Economic and Social

Development Plan for the period 2016–2020 and its legislation to protect the rights of

specific groups, guaranteeing judicial independence and punishing perpetrators of human

rights violations.

116. Afghanistan valued the legislative steps Burkina Faso had taken to protect the rights

of specific groups, guarantee judicial independence and punish perpetrators of human rights

violations within a general framework of promoting and protecting human rights.

117. Algeria welcomed the adoption by Burkina Faso of a national action plan on

implementing the recommendations from the previous review cycle, a national strategy for

promoting and protecting young girls and its policy of free health care for young children

and pregnant women.

GE.18-11224 11

118. Angola recognized the work Burkina Faso had done to enhance the promotion and

protection of human rights and encouraged it to pursue its efforts in promoting the National

Economic and Social Development Plan for the period 2016–2020 on implementing the

second review cycle and treaty body recommendations.

119. Argentina congratulated Burkina Faso for having approved national programmes

dedicated to women and young people, youth employment in the national education system

and youth socio-professional integration. It noted its efforts to combat human rights

violations, eradicate child marriage and female genital mutilation.

120. Australia commended Burkina Faso for having developed a national programme to

end child marriage and improve access to health care, including services dedicated to

women and girls. It remained concerned by the high rate of female genital mutilation

despite its criminalization.

121. Austria welcomed the key elements of the draft constitution of Burkina Faso that

bolstered the protection of human rights, especially by abolishing the death penalty and

protecting women’s rights. It looked forward to the swift adoption of those changes.

122. Azerbaijan noted the legislative changes Burkina Faso had adopted and its

institutional reforms to enhance human rights, especially the provision of free legal

counselling. It highlighted the Government’s attachment to combating corruption and

promoting transparency in the administration of justice.

123. Morocco noted the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission, the

High Council for Reconciliation and National Unity and the National Council for Children

and welcomed the development of public policies for the protection of women’s rights.

124. The delegation of Burkina Faso said that the country was making efforts to improve

the human rights situation and remained open to welcoming special procedures mandate

holders who wished to visit and who made a request accordingly. Burkina Faso took note of

the recommendations addressed to it and requested technical support in such areas as

building the capacity of stakeholders and public institutions to implement a human rights-

based approach, strengthening national capacities to establish a system of data collection

and analysis adapted to national circumstances and, lastly, improving and implementing an

action plan for the implementation of the recommendations made during the third cycle of

the universal periodic review.

II. Conclusions and/or recommendations

125. The recommendations formulated during the interactive dialogue/listed below

have been examined by Burkina Faso and enjoy the support of Burkina Faso:

125.1 Maintain a positive dynamic of ratification of international treaties

(Azerbaijan);

125.2 Continue cooperation with the special procedures (Morocco);

125.3 Continue the work with Human Rights Council bodies to

protect and implement human rights (State of Palestine);

125.4 Move forward with the translation of review recommendations

into the national languages to ensure their wide public dissemination

(Israel);

125.5 Continue to mobilize resources and seek the necessary

international support to enhance its capacity to fulfil its human rights

obligations (Nigeria);

125.6 Intensify its efforts in the implementation of pending

recommendations (Nigeria);

125.7 Consider the establishment of a national coordination

mechanism for drafting reports, follow-up and implementation of

12 GE.18-11224

recommendations, in line with the elements of the 2016 OHCHR guide

on national mechanisms for reporting and follow-up (Uruguay);

125.8. Finalize and adopt the new constitution to further safeguard

the human rights of its people (Botswana);

125.9. Ensure the effective implementation of Law No. 061-2015 /

CNT with the participation of different social stakeholders (Canada);

125.10. Implement the law creating the National Human Rights

Commission and allocate it the necessary resources, according to the

Paris Principles (Costa Rica);

125.11 Provide the National Human Rights Commission with

sufficient financial and human resources, in line with the Paris

Principles, in order to ensure its autonomy and independence (Georgia);

125.12 Make the National Human Rights Commission fully

operational and provide it with sufficient financial and human resources,

in line with the Paris Principles (Germany);

125.13 Continue to provide sufficient resources to the National

Human Rights Commission to enable it carry out its mandate (Ghana);

125.14 Strengthen efforts to enable its national human rights

institution to comply with the Paris Principles, including by ensuring it

has sufficient resources and the independence of the institution

(Indonesia);

125.15 Empower fully the National Human Rights Commission in line

with the Paris Principles (Kenya);

125.16 Take the measures necessary to fully align the National

Human Rights Commission with the Paris Principles (Mauritania);

125.17 Ensure that the National Human Rights Commission is fully

operational and adequately funded (Namibia);

125.18 Strengthen further the capacities of the National Human

Rights Commission in order for it to be fully in line the Paris Principles

(Niger);

125.19 Take the measures necessary to ensure that the National

Human Rights Commission fully complies with the Paris Principles

(Portugal);

125.20 Accelerate the operationalization of the National Human

Rights Commission (Senegal);

125.21 Continue to strengthen the National Human Rights

Commission to enable it to carry out its mission more effectively

(Zimbabwe);

125.22 Strengthen the role of the National Human Rights Commission

to bring it into line with the Paris Principles (Morocco);

125.23 Continue to strengthen further national human rights

institutions and mechanisms (Nepal);

125.24 Allocate sufficient human and financial resources towards a

sustained implementation of the domestic normative framework on

human rights (Philippines);

125.25 Continue its effort to build the capacity of the public

institutions to adopt a human rights approach in the formulation and

implementation of public policies in all sectors (Yemen);

125.26 Continue to implement measures to achieve equitable

redistribution of the benefits of growth (Cuba);

GE.18-11224 13

125.27 Design programmes to safeguard the rights of small farmers

and promote their economic and social development with the necessary

support (Mexico);

125.28 Continue efforts to support small-scale and subsistence

farmers in rural areas (South Africa);

125.29 Continue the implementation of the National Plan for

Economic and Social Development, broadening access to services for all

(Sudan);

125.30 Ensure full respect for human rights by the defence and

security forces, including in their struggle against terrorist groups

(France);

125.31 Continue the harmonization of domestic legislation with the

obligations under the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel,

Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Morocco);

125.32 Undertake immediate and effective action to prevent all forms

of torture and ill-treatment and to ensure thorough, independent and

impartial investigations into all acts of torture committed by government

officials, with the aim to end impunity (Netherlands);

125.33 Ensure that all reports of alleged torture and ill-treatment are

investigated by an independent and impartial body and the perpetrators

prosecuted, and ensure that victims receive full redress and

rehabilitation (Zambia);

125.34 Intensify efforts for addressing allegations of torture by law

enforcement agents (Ukraine);

125.35 Make operational its National Observatory on the Prevention

of Torture as soon as possible (Switzerland);

125.36 Operationalise the National Observatory for the Prevention of

Torture (Uganda);

125.37 Pursue efforts to regulate self-defence groups, sometimes

accused of torture, violence and racketeering (France);

125.38 Conduct thorough investigations into allegations of torture and

other ill-treatment in detention centres (Luxembourg);

125.39 Redouble efforts to improve the living conditions and

treatment of detainees (France);

125.40 Improve the conditions of prisoners (Iraq);

125.41 Combat prison overcrowding and take all measures necessary

aimed at improving detention conditions (Luxembourg);

125.42 Implement a comprehensive plan to end overcrowding in

prisons (Zambia);

125.43 Investigate all allegations of human rights abuses by self-

defence groups and bring suspected perpetrators to justice (Ghana);

125.44 Investigate credible allegations of human rights abuses and

violations, and hold those responsible accountable (United States of

America);

125.45 Investigate allegations of physical abuse by jailers and hold the

perpetrators accountable, as efforts to improve access to justice will

reduce prison overcrowding (United States of America);

125.46 Enhance measures to guarantee the furthering of judicial

investigations and sanctioning the perpetrators of all human rights

violations (Argentina);

14 GE.18-11224

125.47 Adopt the measures necessary to strengthen investigations and

sanctions against the perpetrators of child marriage and female genital

mutilation (Argentina);

125.48 Bolster mechanisms to prevent human rights violations by

security forces (Austria);

125.49 Take measures to promote human rights training for security

forces (Italy);

125.50 Strengthen security and civil protection (Sudan);

125.51 Ensure that security force operations within the framework of

combating extremism and terrorism are implemented in strict

compliance with human rights (Canada);

125.52 Take concrete measures to put an end to lengthy detention of

non-convicted detainees (Denmark);

125.53 Continue its efforts to implement the 2010–2019 national

justice policy (Côte d’Ivoire);

125.54 Continue efforts to guarantee the independence and

impartiality of the judiciary (France);

125.55 Strengthen measures to ensure access to justice, including by

increasing the number of judicial venues (France);

125.56 Pursue efforts to implement the national justice policy for the

period 2010–2019, to improve prisons management (Kenya);

125.57 Intensify efforts to implement the recommendations accepted

during its previous review that relate to ensuring the independence and

effectiveness of the judicial system (Sweden);

125.58 Take all measures to ensure that human rights defenders can

operate free from hindrance and insecurity and that all allegations of

such are subject to prompt, impartial and thorough investigation

(Ireland);

125.59 Adopt legal and political measures to combat human

trafficking, in particular in refugee women and girls (Honduras);

125.60 Step up its endeavour to combat trafficking in children and

women and to strengthen the existing anti-trafficking policies

(Indonesia);

125.61 Deploy further efforts to stop trafficking in women and

children (Iraq);

125.62 Effectively apply national legislation on human trafficking and

on child labour and exploitation (Switzerland);

125.63 Develop and implement an anti-trafficking strategy (United

Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);

125.64 Continue its efforts to implement the national employment

policy and establish a universal social security system (India);

125.65 Put in place inclusive public policies on access to employment,

targeting women (Senegal);

125.66 Promote opportunities for decent jobs for women and young

people (Sudan);

125.67 Pursue efforts to promote youth employment and employment

of women, particularly through professional training (Viet Nam);

GE.18-11224 15

125.68 Improve access for women to the formal labour market, in

particular through temporary special measures, and standardize

inspections to combat labour exploitation (Algeria);

125.69 Continue to promote economic and social development with

the view to eliminating poverty and further improving the quality of life

of the population (Djibouti);

125.70 Continue its efforts to increase the rate of access to sanitation

in rural and urban areas (Equatorial Guinea);

125.71 Promote national policies and programmes related to poverty

eradication, development and malnutrition, which will contribute to the

promotion of human rights in the country (Islamic Republic of Iran);

125.72 Redouble efforts to defeat poverty, notably among rural

women (Iraq);

125.73 Increase actions aimed at improving access of the population

to drinking water and sanitation, especially in rural areas (Spain);

125.74 Pursue steps to expand access of the population to high-quality

health-care and education services (Djibouti);

125.75 Consider allocating adequate financial resources to improve

health-care infrastructure, midwife training, maternal health and access

to emergency obstetric care (Ghana);

125.76 Adopt legal and political measures to ensure that women and

adolescents have access to sexual education and to free and women- and

adolescent-friendly reproductive health-care services (Honduras);

125.77 Proceed with the implementation of the national social security

scheme with a view to providing health services to all without

discrimination (Israel);

125.78 Continue efforts to fight maternal mortality and ensure that

care centres are provided with necessary equipment and medication

(Luxembourg);

125.79 Continue to strengthen efforts to improve access to health care

for all, including access to sexual and reproductive health services

(Australia);

125.80 Continue efforts to ensure universal access to quality health

services (Saudi Arabia);

125.81 Increase women’s awareness of the Reproductive Health Act

and ensure access to health services for women and girls living with

HIV/AIDS (South Africa);

125.82 Improve access for all to high quality health care and

education services (Viet Nam);

125.83 Continue implementing the Plan for Strategic Development of

Basic Education and the Literacy Plan, to undertake further measures to

improve the quality and infrastructure of schools, particularly in rural

areas (Bulgaria);

125.84 Further continue the implementation of access to education for

all through the policy aimed at strengthening infrastructure in urban

and rural areas (Ethiopia);

125.85 Continue its efforts in enhancing access to education for all,

particularly access to secondary and higher education, including in the

rural areas (Indonesia);

16 GE.18-11224

125.86 Continue its efforts to uphold human rights education through

training, capacity-building and awareness-raising (Mauritius);

125.87 Strengthen efforts to ensure universal access for all to quality

education (Saudi Arabia);

125.88 Make effective the provision of free primary education (Togo);

125.89 Expand human rights education and awareness-raising

activities (Nepal);

125.90 Step up its efforts to heighten human rights awareness among

its people (Philippines);

125.91 Continue efforts to educate and raise public awareness in the

field of human rights (Qatar);

125.92 Strengthen and expand its human rights education and

awareness-raising activities (Zimbabwe);

125.93 Proceed with the national education policy with a view to

introducing human rights into school curricula (Angola);

125.94 Continue the promotion of human rights education through

the publication of international instruments for the benefit of the social

and professional groups (United Arab Emirates);

125.95 Include human rights concepts in school curricula (United

Arab Emirates);

125.96 Redouble efforts to implement the Law on violence against

women, and ensure sufficient financial resources so that victims can have

access to justice and psychosocial rehabilitation measures (Chile);

125.97 Enhance efforts to combat all forms of violence against women

and girls, within a comprehensive strategy, including clear goals and

timelines (Brazil);

125.98 Establish a sufficient number of drop-in centres and shelters

for women and girl victims of violence (Gabon);

125.99 Adopt a comprehensive strategy and action plan for

prevention of all forms of violence against women, with a particular

focus on the eradication of customary practices that are harmful to

women, such as female genital mutilation and forced marriages

(Montenegro);

125.100 Redouble efforts to eliminate all forms of discrimination and

violence against women, in particular combat the practice of female

genital mutilation (Uruguay);

125.101 Implement the strategy, legislation and national plans to

combat practices that violate the rights of women, especially female

genital mutilation and forced marriage (Cabo Verde);

125.102 Continue to work to eradicate the practice of female genital

mutilation (Congo);

125.103 Redouble efforts towards eradication of female genital

mutilation (Mozambique);

125.104 Intensify its actions in favour of women’s rights, by seeking the

full implementation of the National Plan against Female Genital

Mutilation, ending forced or early marriages, eradicating violence

against women and achieving a greater presence of women in political

and economic life (Spain);

125.105 Continue the efforts necessary to combat female genital

mutilation (Egypt);

GE.18-11224 17

125.106 Redouble its efforts to eradicate the practice of genital

mutilation of women and girls and other harmful practices, and share

with other countries its best practices in the implementation of its legal

framework to address the root causes of this practice (Honduras);

125.107 Continue efforts to raise awareness and develop new

intervention strategies to eradicate genital mutilation and early and

forced marriages (Gabon);

125.108 Strengthen measures aimed at combating gender

discrimination in all spheres and to adequately protect women from all

forms of violence and abuse, including female genital mutilation, marital

rape, domestic violence and social exclusion for alleged witchcraft

(Namibia);

125.109 Strengthen the implementation of legislation and policies

aimed at ending harmful traditional practices, in particular child, early

and forced marriages and female genital mutilation (Rwanda);

125.110 Eradicate female genital mutilation and bring perpetrators to

justice (Sweden);

125.111 Ensure that people who continue to practice female genital

mutilation are held accountable and prosecuted as a means to deter

perpetrators (Australia);

125.112 Ensure implementation of the National Plan against Female

Genital Mutilation and feminine excisions, and bolster efforts to prevent

such practices, by raising awareness among various communities in the

country, in particular with regard to tribal leaders, religious leaders,

men and boys, as well as by raising awareness and education of girls

(Austria);

125.113 Take urgent measures to put an end to harmful traditional

practices to women, such as forced marriages (Costa Rica);

125.114 Consider amending its laws with a view to protecting those at

risk of early and forced marriages and ensure that all victims have

access to effective remedies and reparations (Philippines);

125.115 Promote the adoption of measures aimed at protecting the

rights of women and intensify the efforts to combat early and forced

marriages of children and early pregnancies (Italy);

125.116 Take all measures to fight early and forced marriages

(Luxembourg);

125.117 Materialize its intention to harmonize the legal age of marriage

to 18 years in order to combat early forced and child marriages

(Canada);

125.118 Amend the Individuals and Family Code to set 18 years as the

minimum age of marriage for both boys and girls (Zambia);

125.119 Raise to the age of 18 years the minimum age for marriage

(Central African Republic);

125.120 Increase the minimum age of marriage to 18 years and request

that legal guarantees be granted for the succession of a married woman

after the death of her husband in order to combat discrimination against

women (Democratic Republic of the Congo);

125.121 Allocate sufficient resources to programmes to combat early

pregnancies and to support young mothers to stay in school (Mexico);

18 GE.18-11224

125.122 Effectively address the high prevalence of early pregnancies by

working with children, parents, teachers and other stakeholders

(Slovenia);

125.123 Set the minimum age of marriage for both girls and boys at 18

years and take firm legal action to prevent children from becoming

victims of child, early and forced marriage (Sweden);

125.124 Continue efforts deployed to fight against early marriage and

take all measures necessary to ensure the full deployment of

programmes in this area (Tunisia);

125.125 Promote outreach among local communities, traditional and

religious authorities, as well as among parents, to ensure the universal

implementation of a minimum age for marriage at 18 years for both men

and women (Austria);

125.126 Guarantee access to justice for women and girl victims of

violence as well as to elderly women accused of witchcraft, ensuring that

perpetrators are prosecuted and sanctioned (Gabon);

125.127 Redouble the efforts to effectively protect women accused of

witchcraft (Congo);

125.128 Reinforce the policies and programmes designed to combat the

social exclusion of people accused of practising witchcraft (Israel);

125.129 Continue actions to reduce social and gender inequality and

the advancement of women as an active agent of development (Cuba);

125.130 Strengthen its action to fight discrimination against women

(Côte d’Ivoire);

125.131 Continue efforts to ensure education for girls and gender

equality in the education sector (Tunisia);

125.132 Continue its commitment to improve access for women to the

formal labour market with acceptable working conditions and sufficient

salaries for a decent life (Turkey);

125.133 Continue to adopt measures that promote gender parity in

socialeconomic activities (Angola);

125.134 Develop a mediation mechanism for alternative dispute

resolution concerning women’s equal rights in inheritance and access to

land to complement the formal justice system (Denmark);

125.135 Continue efforts to improve women’s participation in decision-

making (Egypt);

125.136 Continue to advance the economic empowerment of women

and girls through the creation of income-generating activities (Ethiopia);

125.137 Dismantle barriers to girls’ access to education by raising

awareness of the importance of education for women (Iceland);

125.138 Develop and implement concrete policies to ensure that women

and girls have easy access to justice, education and health-care systems,

particularly those with disabilities (Islamic Republic of Iran);

125.139 Continue efforts to improve the participation of women in

decision-making process (Maldives);

125.140 Develop and implement a strategy to guarantee that women

and girls, including women and girls with disabilities, have effective

access to justice, political and public life, education, income-generating

activities and health care, including sexual and reproductive health-care

services (Mexico);

GE.18-11224 19

125.141 Invest additional efforts into fighting all kinds of

discrimination, in particular against women, by implementing special

national strategies and concrete legal frameworks (Serbia);

125.142 Continue efforts in the area of promoting the rights of women

by formulating and implementing strategies that protect women and

girls, notably with disabilities, and guarantee their access to education,

work and health care (State of Palestine);

125.143 Continue to fight discrimination against women through

concrete measures and continue to fight all forms of violence, notably

domestic violence (Tunisia);

125.144 Continue to strengthen its social programmes in favour of

vulnerable groups, especially for women and children (Bolivarian

Republic of Venezuela);

125.145 Continue to enhance the role of women in strengthening

democracy and ensuring sustainable development (Azerbaijan);

125.146 Finalize the review of the necessary legislation and complete

the drafting and adoption of the Child Protection Code (Uganda);

125.147 Continue to fight against child trafficking (Senegal);

125.148 Fast-track the implementation of the National Strategy on

Ending Child Marriage for the period 2016–2025 (Netherlands);

125.149 Ensure that the capacity of the National Council of Children is

strengthened in order to intensify efforts aimed at combating trafficking

of children, protecting children from sexual abuse, corporal punishment

and the worst forms of child labour as well as to end early and forced

marriages (Namibia);

125.150 Allocate sufficient resources for the implementation of the

national plan and strategies to combat child marriage (Afghanistan);

125.151 Ensure the effective implementation of laws relating to child

trafficking, child labour and the exploitation of children (Brazil);

125.152 Continue to make progress in protecting the rights of children,

above all with regard to child labour in the mining sector and in sexual

exploitation (Uruguay);

125.153 Strengthen the efforts aimed at promoting and protecting the

rights of children, with a focus on the right to education and the fight

against child labour (Italy);

125.154 Ensure the enforcement of existing laws relating to child

trafficking, child labour and the exploitation of children (Maldives);

125.155 Continue efforts aimed at combating the use of child labour

(South Africa);

125.156 Make every effort to protect children in gold panning sites

(France);

125.157 Guarantee the rights of children using more resources to stop

their exploitation and trafficking of children (Spain);

125.158 Step up efforts to address prejudices against children with

disabilities, to ensure that such children have access to health care and

inclusive education (Bulgaria);

125.159 Take further measures to encourage the inclusion of students

with disabilities in the education system (Qatar);

125.160 Step up efforts at various levels to protect and promote the

rights of persons with disabilities, particularly through the facilitation of

20 GE.18-11224

their access to health care, education, employment services and public

buildings (Algeria);

125.161 Ensure the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in all

economic and social development programmes (Austria);

125.162 Revise its regulation and administrative practices to protect

the human rights of migrant workers and incorporate in its domestic law

the principle of non-refoulement (Honduras);

125.163 Consider the adoption of the national strategy on migration for

the period 2014–2025 in order to ensure, inter alia, the rights of migrant

workers (Islamic Republic of Iran).

126. The following recommendations will be examined by Burkina Faso, which will

provide responses in due time, but no later than the thirty-ninth session of the Human

Rights Council:

126.1 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International

Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the

death penalty (Chile) (Costa Rica) (Spain) (Togo);

126.2 Ratify without reservation the Second Optional Protocol to the

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Austria);

126.3 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International

Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, with the ultimate aim of

abolishing the death penalty in all circumstances (United Kingdom of

Great Britain and Northern Ireland);

126.4 Fully abolish the death penalty and ratify the Second Optional

Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,

aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (Portugal);

126.5 Formally abolish the death penalty, including by ratifying the

Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and

Political Rights (Australia);

126.6 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Portugal) (Spain) / consider

ratification of the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Uruguay);

126.7 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights

of the Child on a communications procedure (Portugal) (Spain);

126.8 Adopt an open, merit-based process when selecting national

candidates for United Nations treaty body elections (United Kingdom of

Great Britain and Northern Ireland);

126.9 Finalize and adopt the draft law revising the Act No. 010-2009,

as follow-up to the recommendations in paragraphs 135.44, 135.54 and

135.61 of the report of the Working Group on its second review cycle

(Haiti);

126.10 Implement the Environmental and Social Management Plan

and enforce the Mining and Environmental Code (Kenya);

126.11 Continue its efforts to abolish the death penalty and ratify the

Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and

Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (Iceland);

126.12 Abolish officially and ultimately the death penalty (Cabo

Verde);

126.13 Complete the process of abolishing the death penalty (Central

African Republic);

GE.18-11224 21

126.14 Take the legislative steps necessary to abolish the death

penalty (Ukraine);

126.15 Fully abolish the death penalty, commute all death sentences

and ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant

on Civil and Political Rights (Germany);

126.16 Consider abolishing the death penalty for all crimes and

ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to International Covenant on

Civil and Political Rights (Namibia);

126.17 Adopt the measures necessary in order to guarantee that

forced disappearances remain explicitly outside the scope of the

competence of military jurisdictions in all cases (Argentina);

126.18 Honour its role as guarantor of security, without being

replaced by self-defence groups, and ensure respect for human rights in

its territory, including by the security forces, and ensure an end to

impunity (Spain);

126.19 Strengthen the rule of law throughout the country by

supporting the presence of national security forces trained in human

rights and counter the presence of vigilante militias, including the

Koglwéogo (Belgium);

126.20 Take meaningful steps to improve civilian security and access

to the formal judicial system, while building trust in formal law

enforcement to prevent the proliferation of vigilante groups (United

States of America);

126.21 Prioritize the consultation with small farmers to prevent the

negative impact of agro-industrial policies on food and nutritional

security, in follow-up to the recommendation in paragraph 135.24 of the

report of the Working Group on its second review cycle (Haiti);

126.22 Ensure that evictions result from a judicial decision, with

rigorous procedural guarantees in line with international norms (Togo);

126.23 Ensure maternal, sexual and reproductive health care for

women by applying standard methods (Afghanistan);

126.24 Implement a strategy that ensures the sexual and reproductive

health and rights of young people by fighting against female genital

mutilation and by reducing maternal mortality related to unsafe

abortions (Belgium);

126.25 Amend legislation to fight and legally ban the practice of

female genital mutilation, other harmful customary practices and

domestic violence against women, by inter alia revising the law to define

marital rape and to establish an appropriate punishment (Germany);

126.26 Amend the Code of Individuals and Family to guarantee that

the same minimum age for marriage of 18 years applies to men and

women and includes all types of marriages, including religious and

traditional marriages (Australia);

126.27 Establish comprehensive mechanisms to fight early forced

marriage by, inter alia, raising the minimum age for marriage, including

for traditional marriages, for both boys and girls to 18 years and by

making shelters available for people at risk (Germany);

126.28 Set the minimum age of marriage at 18 years for women and

men and for all forms of marriage (Ireland);

126.29 Repeal all discriminatory provisions against women in the

Individuals and Family Code and increase to 18 years the legal minimum

age of marriage for men and women, without exception (Belgium);

22 GE.18-11224

126.30 Revise current legislation in order to explicitly prohibit the

corporal punishment of children in all settings, including at home

(Montenegro);

126.31 Step up efforts to protect the rights of persons with albinism,

including through public raising-awareness campaigns (Botswana);

126.32 Continue awareness-raising actions to help change negative

attitudes towards persons with albinism (Central African Republic);

126.33 Conduct awareness-raising activities to change negative

attitudes towards people with albinism (Congo).

127. The recommendations formulated during the interactive dialogue/listed below

have been examined by Burkina Faso and have been noted by Burkina Faso:

127.1 Issue a standing invitation to the special procedures (Ukraine);

127.2 Consider extending standing invitation to all special procedure

mandate holders (Georgia);

127.3 Consider extending a standing invitation to all thematic special

procedures of the Human Rights Council (Rwanda);

127.4 Consider the adoption of a general law sanctioning acts of

discrimination on any grounds, including sexual orientation and gender

identity (Chile);

127.5 Adopt comprehensive legislation to prevent and combat all

forms of discrimination on any grounds, including sexual orientation and

gender identity (Honduras);

127.6 Decriminalize sexual relations between consenting adults of the

same sex (Iceland);

127.7 Legally prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or

gender identity (Iceland);

127.8 Criminalize the recruitment and use of persons under 18 years

of age in the national armed forces (Zambia).

GE.18-11224 23

128. All conclusions and/or recommendations contained in the present report reflect

the position of the submitting State(s) and/or the State under review. They should not

be construed as endorsed by the Working Group as a whole.

III. Voluntary pledges and commitments

129. Burkina Faso pledged to submit its midterm report by 31 May 2020.

24 GE.18-11224

Annex

Composition of the delegation

The delegation of Burkina Faso was headed by the Minister of Justice, Human

Rights and Civic Promotion, H.E, Mr. Besolé René Bangoro, and composed of the

following members:

• S.E.M Dieudonné W. Désiré Sougouri, Ambassadeur Extraordinaire et

Plénipotentiaire, Représentant permanent;

• Mr Samson Arzouma III Ouedraogo, Premier Conseiller;

• Mr Emmanuel Ouali, Deuxième Conseiller;

• Mme Myriam Poussi, Conseiller juridique Conseiller Juridique;

• Mr Mathieu Bonkoungou, Conseiller de presse;

• Mr Franck Ouedraogo, Attaché.

• Monsieur Maxime Lomboza Koné, Parlementaire, Président de la Commission des

Affaires Générales, Institutionnelles et des Droits Humains (CAGIDH) à

l’Assemblée nationale du Burkina Faso;

• Mr Germain Zong-Naba Pimé, Conseiller technique;

• Mr Yakouma Jean de Dieu Bambara, Directeur général de la Défense des Droits

humains;

• Mr Adama Sawadogo, Directeur général des Etudes et des Statistiques sectorielles;

• Mme Hadjaratou Zongo/Sawadogo, Directrice générale de la Promotion civique;

• Mr Dieudonné Marie Désiré Manly, Directeur général de la Politique criminelle et

du Sceau;

• Mr Dramane Sanou, Directeur du Suivi des Accords internationaux;

• Mr Bachirou Nana, Directeur de la Communication et de la Presse ministérielle;

• Mr Dramane Koussoubé, Chef de département/planification, suivi-évaluation;

• Mr Salifou Binadibé Lankouandé, Chef de Division à la Direction générale de la

Garde de Sécurité pénitentiaire;

• Mr Madou Coulibaly, Administrateur des Services financiers;

• Mr Christian Nabalma, Chef du Service du suivi des accords relatifs aux droits

économiques, sociaux et culturels;

• Mr Isaac Alassane Ouattara, Chargé d’études;

• Mr Harouna Kadio, Conseiller technique;

• Mr Guéhon Zigani, Chargé d’études;

• Mr Boukari Linkoné, Conseiller technique;

• Mr Abdoulaye Gandema, Directeur de la Police de Proximité;

• Mme Nathalie Kaoré, Journaliste à la Radio-Télévision du Burkina;

• Mr Halidou Badini, Caméraman à la Radio-Télévision du Burkina.