Burkina Faso declares UN coordinator ‘persona non grata’ for involvement in child rights report

Burkina Faso declares UN coordinator ‘persona non grata’ for involvement in child rights report
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Burkina Faso declared UN Resident Coordinator Carol Flore-Smereczniak persona non grata on Monday due to her involvement in co-chairing a report accusing the country’s security forces of child rights violations, Anadolu Agency reported.

The Burkinabe government criticized the report for “indiscriminately” naming both terrorists and the national defense forces, relying on “unfounded statements and falsehoods,” and lacking supporting investigation reports or court rulings. The report, prepared by a task force co-chaired by Flore-Smereczniak, examined the political, military, and security situation and alleged serious abuses against children.

The government expressed strong disapproval over being excluded from the report’s preparation and not being informed of its findings. Burkina Faso stated it no longer views Flore-Smereczniak as a credible representative, accusing the report submitted to the UN Security Council of containing “grave and false information” without “objective sources, proof or justification.”

Despite this, the government reaffirmed its commitment to the United Nations and its readiness to cooperate with UN officials and teams who demonstrate genuine dedication.