Burkina Faso: Love is not a crime

Civil society has recommend banning the rights of sexual minorities, including same-sex relations and advocacy groups.

On Friday 22 September 2023, the members of the Transitional Legislative Assembly (TLA) met in plenary to discuss a report on the regional consultations. These focused on the political, institutional and administrative reforms proposed by the transitional government. The proposals put forward by the key players, in particular the prohibition and penalization of homosexuality and the restriction on the creation of associations for the rights of sexual minorities, were incorporated into a report submitted to the government.

The potential adoption of legislation against sexual minorities in Burkina Faso would expose the community and its defenders to rigorous sanctions, including imprisonment. The repercussions would go beyond mere legal limitations, making human rights and sexual minority activists more vulnerable to criminal action and persecution.

It is urgent to act. Help us reject the criminalization of homosexuality in Burkina Faso. Your support is essential to thwart these discriminatory measures and defend fundamental rights.

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Ms Gonta Alida Henriette DA, President of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC):

As you are already aware, the deputies of the Transitional Legislative Assembly (ALT) met in plenary session on Friday 22 September 2023 to present the report on the regional consultations. The members of the ALT made a number of suggestions, which were set out in a report to the government. In particular, they expressed a favorable opinion on banning and penalizing homosexuality, and on banning the creation of associations to defend the rights of sexual minorities.

The NHRC is one of the serious mechanisms with a mandate to collect and preserve evidence on violations of international humanitarian law and human rights committed in Burkina Faso, and which addresses human rights and justice issues in a comprehensive manner. Your work remains crucial at a time when a bill banning homosexuality could be submitted to the government at any time.

This law, if passed, would be the greatest violation of human rights in Burkina Faso and would condemn hundreds of thousands of LGBT+ people in Burkina Faso.

Thank you for your attention.


0people have signed
Goal: 20,000