Burkina Faso - Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Treaty

This report examines Burkina Faso’s obligations under the International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights, highlighting systemic barriers to civic participation. Persistent political violence, lack of civic education, and gender-based inequalities undermine fundamental democratic rights.

Key concerns include (1) widespread voter intimidation and targeted attacks by militants and state actors, suppressing electoral participation; (2) the indefinite postponement of elections under military rule, depriving citizens of democratic representation; (3) school closures and teacher shortages exacerbating civic illiteracy, further disenfranchising vulnerable populations; and (4) entrenched gender disparities, including low female political representation and high rates of child marriage, perpetuating systemic exclusion from governance.

This report urges Burkina Faso to hold immediate free and fair elections, strengthen protections against electoral violence, expand civic education initiatives, and implement concrete measures to enhance gender equality in political participation to uphold its ICCPR commitments.