Burkina Faso - They Say, We Say...

Other countries say...

"Despite the establishment of democracy in Burkina Faso in 1991, politically motivated murders have continued to take place. Of particular concern to monitors of human rights is the failure of the government to take appropriate steps to bring perpetrators to justice. For example, an independent commission of inquiry into the 1998 murder of Norbert Zongo named six suspects. Subsequent investigations have been marred by gross irregularities and only one person has been arrested.

"Another area of perceived government failure is the incidence of child labour, inevitable in a country of such poverty and in Burkina Faso particularly linked with the gold mining industry.

"Despite being against the law and in the face of extensive campaigning against the practice, the police recently had cause to arrest 14 people for carrying out female genital mutilation on young girls. Amnesty International says that some 70% of women in Burkina Faso undergo female circumcision although the tough measures now in force are having a positive impact. " One World

"Medical facilities in Burkina Faso are very limited. For serious medical treatment, evacuation to Europe is necessary. Malaria and other tropical and waterborne diseases are prevalent. You should consider taking protections against malaria and using insect repellent. HIV/AIDS is prevalent.

"There has been a cholera outbreak in Ouagadougou and its outlying areas, including as far as Koudougou, sixty miles West of the capital. The authorities reported over 200 cases including six deaths. The district of Pissy, at the southern periphery of the capital, has been particularly badly hit. Be careful of personal hygiene and avoid food and drink from sources that you are unsure of." The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Burkina Faso says...

"On Tuesday May 2,2006, the government of Burkina Faso introduced a bill relating to the ratification of the UNESCO convention for the protection and the promotion of the diversity of cultural expression.

"After a very fertile debate, the deputies unanimously adopted the bill, thus giving the convention all its powers. The ratified instrument will soon be deposited with the General Secretary of UNESCO.

"Thus, after Canada and Mauritius, Burkina Faso is the third country in the world and the first in Africa to ratify convention. It should be recalled that convention will come into effect only three months after the deposit of the thirtieth ratified instrument. It is advisable to answer promptly the calls launched by the International Agency of the Francophonie, Heads of State and governments and the many cultural organizations for a ratification without delay of an acquired convention."Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism. Translated from French.