Call to End to Abuse of Older Women in Burkina Faso

Help Age International

July 18, 2008

Burkina Faso

HelpAge International has submitted evidence of discrimination and abuse experienced by older women in Burkina Faso to the new Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the United Nations’ Human Rights Council.

In Burkina Faso, witchcraft allegations can lead to psychological abuse, intimidation, banishment, violence and, in many cases, murder. Women who are no longer considered useful to the household are often used as scapegoats, for example when a crop fails or a family member dies.

Evidence in the submission to the UPR shows that older women, particularly those unprotected by male relatives, are especially vulnerable.

Contributing factors 

Lack of awareness of older women’s rights is highlighted as one of the factors contributing to the abuse. Others include low literacy levels and dependence on traditional healers, who often attribute illnesses to witchcraft.

Customary laws in Burkina Faso make it difficult for the state to introduce legislation to protect older women from this kind of abuse. Civil society also lacks the capacity to challenge traditional practices.

Pushing for change

The UPR monitors the human rights record of UN member states. HelpAge International worked on a joint submission with Burkina Faso-based organisations, Promo Femmes Developpement Solidarité and Association le TOCSIN.

The submission urges the Government of Burkina Faso to review existing policy and make witchcraft accusations illegal. It also recommends providing redress and protection for those accused.

The UPR provides a welcome opportunity to raise the issue of older people’s rights at international level and push for change at the national level.

Dolline Busolo, Rights and Entitlements Coordinator at the Africa Regional Development Centre, says: "I hope the submission to the UPR will encourage the Government of Burkina Faso to draw-up policies and enact legislation to protect older women from accusations of witchcraft."

The next stage of the UPR process will be in December 2008, when Human Rights Council members will meet again. They will raise the issues in the submission with a delegation from the Government of Burkina Faso, and give recommendations.

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