Burkina Faso Expels Top UN Official Over Report on Child Rights Abuses
The Burkina Faso military government has declared the top UN official in the country, Carol Flore-Smereczniak, “persona non grata” over a report alleging serious human rights abuses against children. The report, titled “Children and Armed Conflicts,” revealed widespread violence against children, including killing, maiming, and abuse, as well as attacks on schools and hospitals.
According to the report, most acts of violence against children are carried out by armed groups, with a significant increase in child casualties in the last quarter of 2023. The report stated that 1,386 children, some as young as eight months, were killed or maimed, including due to explosive devices.
However, the Ibrahim Traore-led military government, which came to power in 2022, has disputed the report’s findings, claiming that it contains unfounded allegations. The government accused the UN of failing to consult with it before publishing the report and not providing sufficient evidence to support the alleged cases of violations against children.
The crisis in Burkina Faso has been ongoing since 2015, when jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State began carrying out an insurgency that has killed thousands and displaced millions. The situation has fueled political instability, leading to two military coups in 2022. Despite the military government’s efforts to resolve the security situation, the crisis has persisted.
The expelled UN official, Carol Flore-Smereczniak, assumed her position in July 2024, 18 months after her predecessor, Barbara Manzi, was also expelled for publishing a blog post describing the impact of the crisis on education and health services. The UN has expressed regret over Ms. Flore-Smereczniak’s dismissal, stating that the organization has the right to remain in Burkina Faso to perform its functions.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by humanitarian organizations in reporting on human rights abuses in conflict zones. The UN report’s findings underscore the urgent need for protection and support for children affected by the conflict in Burkina Faso.
