Statement by the Chairperson and Expert Members of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

Statement by the Chairperson of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, and Expert Members Vital Bambanze, Dario José Mejía Montalvo, Hannah McGlade, Naw Ei Ei Min, Hanieh Moghani, Rodrigo Eduardo Paillalef, Geoffrey Roth, Valentina Sovkina - 7 April 2025

The Chairperson of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues expresses grave concern over reports of human rights violations and violence against the Indigenous Peoples of Burkina Faso. 

The recent and growing violence occurring is concerningly, contributing to the broader marginalization, displacement and now, criminalization of the Fulani Indigenous People. In particular, the Chairperson expresses deep concern at the abhorrent violence being perpetrated against the Fulani People, including Indigenous women and children. 

The Chairperson calls on the Government to take immediate action to cease the violence and protect the Fulani People from these violent attacks, to address the human rights abuses against the Fulani People, including under the umbrella of counterterrorism operations. The Chairperson calls on the Government to prosecute perpetrators, to end the ongoing violence and culture of impunity. 

The Chairperson calls on the Government to implement the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, in line with national and international laws, and the provisions contained within the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, in particular Article 7, which provides that “Indigenous Peoples have the collective right to live in freedom, peace and security as distinct peoples and shall not be subjected to any act of genocide or any other act of violence.” Further, Article 22 provides that, “States shall take measures, in conjunction with Indigenous Peoples, to ensure that Indigenous women and children enjoy the full protection and guarantees against all forms of violence and discrimination”. 

The Chairperson calls on the Government to invite the United Nations to investigate and report on allegations of human rights violations in the region, and to monitor the situation unhindered. This should be done in alignment with the UN resolution A/RES/79/159 on Indigenous Peoples in peacebuilding that emphasizes “the importance of meaningfully engaging Indigenous Peoples in peace agreement negotiations, transitional justice processes, conflict resolution, mediation and constructive arrangements”, facilitating processes in coordination with the Government, Fulani People representatives and relevant stakeholders, to ensure the protection of the rights of the Fulani People as well as strengthening Indigenous Peoples’ institutions and ensuring respect for their collective and individual rights.

See formal Statement here.