Making progress with disability rights in
Burkina Faso

On 9 April 2009, the Government of Burkina Faso took the historic decision to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Disabled Persons .

At that time, it was one of only 45 nations to have ratified both the Convention and its Optional Protocol since they entered into force on 3 May 2008.

The Convention identifies areas where adaptations have to be made so that people with disabilities can effectively exercise their rights. It also reinforces the protection of rights for people with disabilities.

However, progress like this isn’t possible without collaboration between governments and grassroots organisations.

This is why International Service’s overseas volunteers have been sharing their skills and expertise to help strengthen 7 disabled people’s organisations – in order to support them in their fight for the rights of disabled people, along with better services and better inclusion in society. 

Michel Youma, Coordinator at the Association of Disabled People of Gourma, says "the ratification of the Convention is an opportunity that gives new life to this struggle that we have been fighting for years." However, he also cautions that despite this long-awaited victory "it is not the end of the problems that we live with."

Our partners are delighted that all their years of hard work within communities and lobbying for change at a government level have gone some way to bring about this significant achievement for the country.
But by ratifying the Convention, the government is now obliged to make it a reality for all people in Burkina.

In Burkina Faso, the majority of disabled people live in the poorest conditions, and are one of the most vulnerable social groups. They are frequently marginalized and struggle to access education, health and employment.

Sidonie Kangame, an advisor at the disability organisation Handicap Solidaire Burkina, has been taking part in a programme which will strengthen the ability of her organisation to incorporate knowledge about the UN’s monitoring processes into training and disability awareness sessions so that they can ensure changes are taking place at a national level.

As for the biggest challenge facing disabled people and their organisations in Burkina Faso, Michel adds that: "We have to make the Convention more clear and accessible to disabled and non-disabled people, and claim our rights point by point."