Series of attacks force thousands to flee in Burkina Faso Format This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson Boris Cheshirkov – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is deeply concerned by the humanitarian consequences of recent violence in Burkina Faso that has killed 45 people and forced more than 17,500 people to flee their homes over the past 10 days. Gunmen carried out a series of attacks in three separate regions, burning down houses and shooting civilians dead. The assailants also ransacked health centers and damaged homes and shops.