« This is not a step in the right direction for the human rights of the people of Burkina Faso, » Volker Türk stated in a press release. He emphasized that instead of banning political parties and imprisoning individuals for expressing their views, Burkinabè authorities should expand civic space, including for humanitarian actors, and uphold freedom of association and expression.

Measures to dissolve political parties

On January 29, 2026, the Burkinabè government announced plans to dissolve political parties and repeal the legal framework governing them. Authorities have already suspended all political party activities since September 2022, as noted by the UN Human Rights Office.

Throughout 2025, the government suspended operations of several national and international organizations, either without explanation or under vague pretexts such as unauthorized data collection or threats to « public order and security. » In July 2025, a restrictive law on freedom of association was enacted, and since November 11, 2025, a decree has required NGOs and associations to open and manage their bank accounts exclusively with a state-owned bank.

These combined suspensions and decisions have severely restricted civil society activity in the country, violating international human rights law. They have also been implemented without mitigation measures, hindering humanitarian operations and access to populations in need.

Human rights commitments and ongoing concerns

In a roadmap agreed between the UN Human Rights Office and the Burkinabè government in December 2025, authorities pledged to end impunity, respect human rights in security and military operations, assist victims, uphold fundamental freedoms, and strengthen national mechanisms for human rights protection and torture prevention.

« These commitments are important and must be urgently translated into concrete actions, » Türk emphasized. « Authorities must repeal restrictive laws, facilitate unimpeded humanitarian aid delivery, and unconditionally release arbitrarily detained individuals. Accountability for human rights violations is imperative. »

A thriving civic and democratic space—one that allows pluralistic voices from political parties and organizations—and a strengthened rule of law are essential for sustainable peace, security, and social cohesion in Burkina Faso, he concluded.