Burkina Faso – Elections cannot ignore women’s crisis | Amnesty International USA

2.4.16

Burkina Faso – Elections cannot ignore women’s crisis | Amnesty International USA: Amnesty International is today launching the My Body My Rights campaign in Burkina Faso, with a human rights manifesto calling on presidential and legislative candidates in the 11 October 2015 elections to commit to a tougher stance on forced and early marriage, and to making it easier for women and girls to access contraception and sexual and reproductive health information and services.

“A young girl growing up in Burkina Faso today faces many barriers preventing her from fulfilling her own hopes and dreams for her life. She could be married off by her family and even if she can afford contraception, her partner may refuse to use it or not allow her to use it,” said Alioune Tine, Amnesty International regional director for West and Central Africa.

“For too long, the Burkina authorities have neglected the rights of women and girls. Redressing this wrong and lifting the barriers faced by women and girls must be a central aim of any election candidate’s campaign.”