Boussoukoula: The Association for the Unity of Youth and Development in Africa (UNIJED/Africa), in partnership with UNICEF, organized a solemn ceremony in Boussoukoula, marking a new stage in the fight against female genital mutilation, child marriage, and violence against children in the Noumbiel province.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the meeting brought together the communities of Boussoukoula and Midebdo, traditional authorities, leaders of Muslim, Catholic, and Protestant religious denominations, as well as women’s and youth organizations. All publicly proclaimed their rejection of these harmful practices and pledged to protect children’s rights.
UNIJED/Africa Executive Secretary Ismael Traore stated that the declaration is the culmination of a patient awareness-raising process. He emphasized that these commitments are not a renunciation of cultural heritage, but rather a move against practices deemed harmful by the community.
Presiding over the ceremony at the invitation of UNIJED/Africa, the High Commissioner of Noumbiel Province, Drissa Hema, described the event as a historic step towards respect for human rights. He urged communities to remain firm in their commitments, highlighting UNIJED/Africa’s role in building a future free from regressive practices.
A total of 70 villages in Noumbiel had already made public declarations before this large gathering. The ceremony was further enhanced by sketches performed by children and concluded with a tree planting ceremony, symbolizing a hopeful future.