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<p>The UK is deeply concerned by the ongoing reports of terrorist violence in Burkina
Faso and the tragic consequences for the population. The number of displaced people
due to instability continues to rise. As of March 2020, just under 800 000 people
were recorded as displaced in Burkina Faso. The UK condemns the violence and is committed
to working with all partners, including the G5 Sahel countries, to support those most
in need and tackle the long-term drivers of instability in the region. In <del class="ministerial">March</del><ins
class="ministerial">February</ins>, the Minister for Africa attended the first meeting
of the Sahel Alliance General Assembly and G5 Leaders' Summit, where he reaffirmed
the UK's commitment to improved security and increased development in the Sahel. We
are also deeply concerned by reports of abuses and violations of human rights in Burkina
Faso, including by armed groups and the Burkinabe security forces. We welcome the
Government of Burkina Faso's commitment to investigate recent abuses and hold those
responsible to account, including following the attack on Malian refugees on 2 May
and the deaths of 12 detainees in mid-May.</p><p>The UK is supporting Burkina Faso
by providing life-saving humanitarian assistance to those affected by the crisis.
Over £23 million of UK humanitarian aid will go to Burkina Faso between 2019 and 2021,
including to help tackle food insecurity and treat acute malnutrition.</p><p>We are
also funding a number of programmes that help provide access to education in emergencies
and support women's sexual and reproductive health. The UK is supporting the security
response through non-combat assistance to the French-led counter-terrorism mission
Operation BARKHANE, in the form of three CH47 chinook helicopters. The UK is also
committed to helping the G5 Sahel Joint Force reach full operational capability -
bilateral funding has gone towards the provision of non-lethal military equipment
and support for the human rights compliance framework. In response to COVID-19, the
UK has committed up to £744 million of UK aid to combat the virus and to reinforce
the global effort to find a vaccine. In the Sahel, the UK is seeking to make sure
existing programmes adapt to new needs and is working with partners like the World
Bank, International Monetary Fund and the African Development Bank to ensure that
countries in the region, including Burkina Faso, get the support they need to respond
to COVID-19 and manage its impact.</p><p> </p>
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