A new United Nations survey has documented a staggering 2,483 serious violations of children’s rights in Burkina Faso between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2024, APA learned on Friday.
A UN report released this week highlights that children are disproportionately bearing the brunt of the escalating armed conflict in Burkina Faso. The comprehensive document records these violations against 2,255 children, with some tragically experiencing multiple forms of abuse during the reporting period.
The UN underscores the dire humanitarian consequences of the intensified deadly armed attacks against civilians, which have led to the internal displacement of over two million people, the majority of whom are children. The organization estimates that a staggering 6.3 million people, including 3.4 million children, are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, particularly in the critical areas of nutrition, health, protection, and education. The ongoing conflict is severely disrupting essential education and health systems across the country.
Virginia Gamba, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, expressed deep concern over the situation, warning that “the continuing deterioration of the security situation has particularly affected children’s access to education, with more than 800,000 children affected by school closures.”
The UN report attributes the majority of these grave violations to armed groups operating in the country. The most frequent violations documented include killings and maiming, followed by abductions and the recruitment of children into armed groups. Tragically, the report states that “1,386 children, some as young as eight months old, were killed and maimed, including by explosive devices.”
The UN also confirms the “abduction of 592 children, mainly girls,” and the “recruitment and use of 257 children,” predominantly boys, by armed actors. Humanitarian access to vulnerable populations remains severely restricted in several regions, including the Centre-Nord, the Sahel, and Boucle du Mouhoun, further exacerbating the crisis.
Sexual violence against children, which is largely underreported due to the sensitive nature of the crime and security constraints, is also a grave concern. The report chillingly notes that “twenty girls were raped, one of whom died as a result of gang rape.” These horrific attacks often occur in the aftermath of kidnapping, particularly when victims are undertaking perilous journeys to collect essential resources such as water or firewood.
Despite the grim findings, the UN report does highlight some areas of progress. The transitional government of Burkina Faso has approved a transfer protocol with the United Nations aimed at “ensuring that children presumed associated with armed forces and groups are transferred to civilian child protection services.” With crucial support from the UN, “397 children formerly associated with armed forces and groups have benefited from reintegration services,” offering a glimmer of hope for their futures.
Furthermore, efforts are underway to enhance the protection of children within the security forces. The report notes that more than “700 officers from the defense and security forces have been trained” in human rights, with a specific emphasis on child protection principles.
Special Representative Virginia Gamba called for the “full implementation” of the commitments made by the Burkinabe government, urging authorities to ensure accountability for perpetrators of violence against children and to provide access to justice and reparations for child victims. She also made a strong appeal to international donors to provide adequate funding for crucial reintegration programs that offer a pathway to recovery and a chance at a normal life for children affected by the conflict. The UN’s findings underscore the urgent need for increased protection measures and humanitarian assistance for children caught in the crossfire of the escalating armed conflict in Burkina Faso.
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