F. Freedom of Thought, Conscience and Religion 125. The freedoms of belief or non-belief, conscience, religious opinion, worship and practice of customs of one’s choice are guaranteed by the Constitution (Article 7). Everyone can enjoy these freedoms, subject to the respect of the law, public order, public decency and the human person. The Criminal Code proscribes any infringement of these freedoms. Thus, under Article 132 of the Criminal Code provides that: “Any act of discrimination or behaviour which runs contrary to the freedom of conscience and the freedom of worship likely to incite people against one another shall be punishable by a term of imprisonment of between one and five years and banishment for a period of five years.”. 126. In Burkina Faso, one can observe that the religious and customary practices of one another are tolerated and accepted. The various religious communities live in peaceful cohabitation. Better still, religious communities sometimes organize meetings in order to contribute to the maintenance of social peace and the development of Burkina Faso. 127. Burkina Faso held its first National Forum on Secularism from 27 to 29 September, 2012. This important meeting, which brought together participants from the religious communities, customary and traditional chieftaincy representatives, the State, civil society organizations and professional bodies, highlighted the importance of religion in societal life as well as the need for religious cohabitation and tolerance in order to guarantee unity and social cohesion. G. Right to Information and Freedom of Expression 128. A national communications policy was adopted in 2012. It aims at assisting in the implementation of the projects/programmes of the productive and social sectors and in contributing to the strengthening of governance. The national communications policy has the following fundamental missions: - ensure access to the means of communication and their ownership by the people; ensure the inclusion of communications in the development programmes, projects and policies; strengthen the professionalism of stakeholders of the sector in the area of communications; create a legal and institutional environment conducive to the development of the sector; ensure awareness in the area of communication, and contribute to the international reputation of Burkina Faso. 129. The freedom of opinion and the press as well as the right to information are guaranteed by (Article 8). Thus, everyone can express and disseminate his opinions in accordance with the prevailing legal rules. These freedoms are established. According to the prescriptions of the information code (Articles 1, 4 and 5), “The right to information shall be part of the fundamental rights of the Burkinabe citizen. The establishment and running of information agencies as well as radio, television and cinema outfits shall be free, in accordance with the prevailing laws and regulations. Foreign productions in the area of communication and information shall be accepted for dissemination where they do not undermine moral values, national sovereignty and professional ethics.” Through their reality, the various freedoms reflect the commitment of the Burkinabe government to the building of a democratic State. 130. Burkina Faso has 30 television stations, including 15 commercial stations, one community television station, three (3) public television stations, one international television station, 6 religious television stations and 4 multichannel package distribution operators. There are 148 34

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