Burkina Faso: Armed Islamists Kill, Rape Civilians
Army, Militia Respond with Summary Executions, Enforced Disappearances

Violent acts by non-state groups against the general population for political purposes are abhorrent crimes that, when widespread or systematic, can amount to crimes against humanity. Human Rights Watch condemns such acts. Governments have a responsibility to protect those within their jurisdiction from extremist attacks, but must ensure that all counterterrorism measures respect human rights. Human Rights Watch monitors actions by governments and inter-governmental bodies against violent extremism to ensure they do not infringe on the rights to life, to protection from torture and ill-treatment, and to a fair trial. We also condemn governments for targeting minorities or stifling the rights to free expression, association and peaceful assembly in the name of security. Such measures are not only unlawful under international law, they are also counter-productive.
Army, Militia Respond with Summary Executions, Enforced Disappearances
300 Civilians, Suspects Allegedly Killed; Set Independent, Credible Inquiry
Army, Armed Islamists Should End Atrocities; Independent Inquiries Urgently Needed
Summit Should Address Rights Abuses by Security Forces
Missteps Show Need for Congressional Oversight to Catalyze Change
Army, Militia Respond with Summary Executions, Enforced Disappearances
73rd Session: March 2022
300 Civilians, Suspects Allegedly Killed; Set Independent, Credible Inquiry
Four Dozen Canadians Languish in Squalid Camps
Army, Armed Islamists Should End Atrocities; Independent Inquiries Urgently Needed
Obstructing Care for Detained Woman, Child Flouts Government Policy