Kampti: In Kampti, Poni Province, a major public declaration was held on 23 September 2025 to mark the commitment of local communities against female genital mutilation, child marriage, and all forms of violence against children. The initiative, led by UNICEF and UNIJED/Africa, represents seven months of awareness-raising and community mobilization in favor of child protection.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the meeting brought together the communities of Kampti and Djiguoue, as well as representatives of traditional chiefdoms, Muslim, Catholic, and Protestant religious denominations, and women’s and youth organizations. All publicly declared their rejection of harmful practices and committed to protecting children’s rights.
Adama Ouattara, project manager and representative of the Executive Secretary of UNIJED/Africa, stated that this public declaration is the culmination of seven months of awareness-raising and community training. “These commitments crown a patient process to eradicate practices that hinder the development of young people,” he said.
For Ms. OUEDRAOGO/SOUALI Lamoussahan, Regional Director of Humanitarian Action and National Solidarity in Djoro, it is a matter of “calling for making Djoro a pioneering region where the rights of children and women will be respected, defended, and promoted for the benefit of present and future generations.” She expressed gratitude to technical and financial partners, particularly UNICEF and its implementing partners such as UNIJED.
Presiding over the ceremony, the High Commissioner of Poni, Bepampo Ouoba, hailed “a historic step” and urged communities to maintain their efforts. “We welcome these commitments and hope that they will be reflected in homes to provide children with a protective environment. With everyone’s help, we will overcome these hard-to-get practices,” he said.
In total, 80 villages in Poni had already made small declarations before this large gathering. UNIJED/Africa also set up community child protection units to ensure the sustainability of the achievements. The ceremony concluded with a tree planting ceremony on the grounds of the Kampti Centre B public primary school.