Burkina Faso: 76th Human Rights Day, promotion of endogenous cultural practices for the respect of human rights
On Tuesday in Burkina Faso, the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights marked the 76th International Human Rights Day with a ceremony titled “The Night of Human Rights”. The national theme for the event, “Respect for Human Rights in Burkina Faso for Sustainable and Inclusive Development: What Contributions from Culture and Indigenous Values” ? highlighted the importance of cultural practices and traditional values in promoting human rights.
Harouna Kadio, Secretary-General of the Ministry, representing the Minister of Justice, emphasized that the choice of this theme aims to encourage each Burkinabe citizen to rediscover the ancestral values that have historically contributed to peace and social harmony. He noted that Burkina Faso’s cultural heritage is rich with principles promoting solidarity, tolerance, mutual respect, and social justice.
“Through our customs, beliefs, and social practices, our ancestors built societies based on mutual aid and equity. These values remain crucial in ensuring peaceful coexistence and reinforcing respect for human rights in a context marked by numerous challenges”, he stated.
The celebration also served as an opportunity to urge Burkinabe society to combine modernity and tradition to promote sustainable and inclusive development. Harouna Kadio called for a better integration of cultural values into public policies and human rights protection initiatives.
The event featured cultural performances and testimonials, highlighting indigenous practices that contribute to social cohesion and the defense of fundamental rights.
The Ministry also encouraged the population to draw inspiration from their cultural heritage to build a resilient, united, and human rights-respecting Burkina Faso, while contributing to the global movement for the protection of fundamental freedoms. This celebration served as a platform to reaffirm the crucial role of culture as a pillar for respect for human rights and sustainable development.
