radio stations, including 34 commercial radio stations, 45 community radio stations, 8 religious radios stations, 20 communal radio stations, 3 international radio stations and 8 public radio stations. With regard to the written press, there are several types of newspapers, including 7 dailies, 10 weeklies, 16 fortnightlies publications, 25 monthly publications, 1 bi-monthly publication and several special newspapers. Furthermore, multi-channel package distribution operators (4) enable families to have access to the programmes of international networks. 131. The freedom of the press is regulated by an independent administrative authority called the High Communications Council (CSC). The CSC is tasked with ensuring compliance with the law and ethical rules by the media. It is also tasked with protecting the freedom of the press from all breaches, irrespective of their source, as well as defending the rights of the citizenry, particularly children and the family, from all possible media breaches. Furthermore, the CSC ensures the balanced handling of information. 132. It can be observed that our country is making consistent progress in the ratings of international institutions for nations enjoying true press freedom and freedom of expression. Thus, according to the latest ratings of Reporters Without Borders, our country occupied the 46th position in the world and the 5th position in Africa in 2013. This performance was made possible by the favourable legal and institutional environment. Thus, in accordance with its tradition for over a decade now, the government renewed in 2012 and 2013 the financial subvention of CFAF 250 million granted to the private media in order to assist them in their public service mission. 133. The press in Burkina Faso is a means of expression of freedom and to express one’s self or to express one’s opinions. Indeed, in Burkina Faso, individuals are having regular and increasing access to the press (newspapers, on-line and electronic in particular) to express their points of view and their opinions on the conduct of public affairs. They also resort to the media to express their points of view or criticisms of the electoral, economic and social politics. Besides, the interconnection of the public service in an intra and internet network has facilitated access to information by the citizenry over the last few years. However, the citizenry have difficulties in accessing economic and social information. These difficulties can partly be explained by the inadequacy of financial resources. Be that as it may, the State of Burkina Faso has been making considerable efforts to ensure access to this type of information (seminars, leaflets, sensitization, radio and television programmes…). H. Freedom of Association, Demonstration and Assembly 134. Special provisions have been dedicated to the freedoms of assembly and demonstration (provided for by Article 7 of the Constitution). Indeed, Articles 1 and 6 of Law 22-97 of 21 October, 1997 made provision for the freedoms of public and private demonstrations and assembly, subject to compliance with the relevant legal requirements. Under Article 21 of the Burkinabe Constitution, “The freedom of expression shall be guaranteed. Everyone has the right to form an association and to freely participate in its activities. The running of associations shall be in accordance with the prevailing rules and regulations. Trade union rights shall be guaranteed. Trade unions shall conduct their activities without constraints and limitations, other than those provided for by law.” Thus, Law No. 10/92 ADP of 15 December, 1992 on the freedom of association (Article 2) provides that “associations shall be formed freely and without prior administrative authorization. Their validity shall be governed by the general principles of law applicable to contracts and commitments (…). 35