Australia in Switzerland
Bern and Geneva
Switzerland, Liechtenstein

statement447

Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 16th Session

Universal Periodic Review of Burkina Faso

22 April 2013

 

Australia welcomes Burkina Faso’s commitment to regional peace and security, and appreciates Burkina Faso’s role as chief peace negotiator for many of the major conflicts in the region, including Mali. We support the efforts of the National Committee on Human Rights and the Human Rights Ministry to promote a culture of tolerance and peace. My delegation also appreciates the constructive role played by Burkina Faso in this Human Rights Council.

Australia acknowledges the holding of peaceful elections in December 2012 and commends Burkina Faso for investigating perpetrators of election-related violence. However, Australia is concerned by reports of a lack of due process and allegations of arbitrary arrests, torture and ill-treatment by Burkinabè security forces.

Australia commends Burkina Faso for not carrying out the death penalty since 1988, however recommends that Burkina Faso formalise this approach by ceasing the imposition of death sentences and ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

While we acknowledge Burkina Faso’s efforts to eliminate trafficking and exploitation of women and children, Australia remains concerned by new reports of such exploitative behaviour. Australia is supporting Burkina Faso to promote child rights and combat trafficking through the Australian Human Rights Grants Scheme. We recommend that Burkina Faso take further strong measures to prevent trafficking and exploitation of women and children.