GENEVA - UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk on Thursday called on the Government of Burkina Faso to put an end to all forms of repression of civic space, and to overturn its intention to prohibit all political parties.
"This is not a move in the right direction for the human rights of the people in Burkina Faso," the High Commissioner said. "Instead of banning political parties and jailing people for expressing their opinions, the authorities in Burkina Faso need to open up space for civil society, including humanitarian actors, respect the exercise of freedom of association and expression, and lift bans on the activities of political parties, in accordance with their international obligations and commitments."
On 29 January 2026, the Burkinabè Government announced measures to dissolve political parties, and to repeal the legal framework governing them. The authorities have already suspended all activities of political parties since September 2022.
Throughout 2025, the Burkinabè authorities suspended the activities of several national and international organisations, either without any explanation at all, or citing vague grounds, such as unauthorised data collection or "public order and security". In July last year, authorities enacted a restrictive new law on freedom of association, while since 11 November 2025, a new decree required NGOs and associations to open and maintain cash accounts exclusively with a state-run bank.
The combined effect of these suspensions and decisions has sharply constricted civil society's activity in the country, inconsistent with international human rights law. They are also implemented without support or mitigation measures, and hinder humanitarian operations and access to populations in need.
While the authorities released several individuals who were arbitrarily detained last year, the UN Human Rights Office continues to receive further allegations of enforced disappearances and arbitrary arrests in Burkina Faso. Among the victims are journalists, members of the judiciary, leaders and members of political parties and civil society organisations.
In a roadmap agreed between the UN Human Rights Office and the Government of Burkina Faso in December 2025, the Government committed to end impunity and respect human rights in the context of security and military operations, provide assistance to victims, respect fundamental freedoms, and strengthen the capacities of national human rights and torture prevention mechanisms.
"These commitments are important, and need to be translated urgently into concrete action," the High Commissioner said. "The authorities need to repeal restrictive laws, allow and facilitate rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian assistance to all those in need across the country, and unconditionally release those arbitrarily detained. Accountability for serious human rights violations must be pursued," Türk added.
"Real civic and democratic space, allowing pluralistic voices of political parties and organisations, and strengthened rule of law are essential for lasting peace, security and social cohesion in Burkina Faso."
