Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso has experienced a convergence of crises, including inter-ethnic violence, armed conflict, poverty, inequalities, food insecurity, and environmental change. As a result, over 1.4 million people have fled their homes in search of safety – making the situation in Burkina Faso one of the fastest-growing displacement and protection crises globally. The instability has also created cross-border movements.

Since January 2021, more than 17,500 people have fled to neighbouring countries (Niger, Mali, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire), nearly doubling the total number of Burkinabè refugees and asylum-seekers in just six months. Despite this internal turmoil, the Government of Burkina Faso continues to host over 22,700 refugees and asylum-seekers, most of them coming from Mali.

Given the scale of humanitarian needs, UNHCR has reinforced its protection interventions, including protection monitoring and its support to authorities for registration, as well as the provision of civil documentation. The prevention and response to gender-based violence have also been strengthened together with activities in the areas of shelter, education and environment.

In addition, the UN Refugee Agency worked closely with the Government to facilitate the realization of durable solutions such as the inclusion of affected populations into national services and programmes.

Through its 2022-2025 multi-year and multi-partner strategy, UNHCR will continue its efforts to respond to urgent needs and accelerate the realization of durable solutions. Fully aligned to Burkina Faso’s Second National Economic and Development Plan (PNDES II), UNHCR will implement its new strategy in close coordination with other UN Agencies within the framework of the Humanitarian Response Plan in Burkina Faso.