Human Rights Council 40: Mali
The UK expressed its concern with the deteriorating human rights, humanitarian and security situation in Mali, and urged Mali to tackle violence against women & girls.
Thank you, Mr President.
The United Kingdom thanks the Independent Expert for his report.
We are concerned by the deteriorating human rights, humanitarian and security situation, particularly in the centre and north of Mali, and by the large numbers of civilians and security personnel affected as a result of attacks by armed groups, or by inter and intra communal violence. We call on the Government to re-double efforts to improve the political and security situation through a comprehensive and inclusive approach that addresses underlying grievances. It is important that all parties refrain from stoking violence.
We are gravely concerned by reports of human rights violations and abuses by the Malian armed forces and armed groups. We support the Independent Expert’s call for the Government to conduct thorough, fair and impartial investigations and address impunity.
We urge the Government to denounce and tackle human rights abuses, including all forms of violence against women, girls and other vulnerable groups. The UK believes gender equality and promoting and protecting the rights of women and girls is fundamental to building peaceful, stable societies.
We welcome the acceleration of the demobilisation and disarmament programme by parties to the Peace Agreement.We believe meaningful participation is directly linked to more sustainable peace, and we therefore call on the Government to prioritise inclusivity in the implementation of wider political and institutional reforms in order to generate the necessary public support.
Given the numerous challenges facing the Government of Mali, we would like to ask the Independent Expert which areas should be prioritised, and why?
Thank you, Mr President.