Agenda Item:10 - Technical assistance and capacity-building

Interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Mali A/HRC/46/68

Statement by: International-Lawyers.Org

Delivered by Natlia Brusco / GICJ

22 March 2021

Thank you, President,

We welcome the report of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Mali and share his concerns that the sociopolitical crisis is prolonging the fight against impunity and escalating the security situation.

With the increase in attacks by violent extremist groups coupled with a rise in intracommunal and intercommunal attacks on villages, Mali remains in a state of instability. The Independent Expert noted that particular provisions of Malian law in relation to justice should be repealed, and we stand by this call as we believe appropriate legislation is an essential first step in order to begin building a stronger foundation where accountability and justice can be achieved.

International-Lawyers.org and Geneva International Centre for Justice urge the United Nations, other relevant actors, and the international community to act urgently to achieve stability in Mali as cooperation and solidarity are necessary to achieve justice. Also, we note that although there are delays in implementing the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali due to the August 2020 coup d’état, the pandemic, and disagreements amongst the administration, the government must continue nonetheless in order to fight against impunity.

Lastly, we express our concern about foreign troops in Mali and urge the Council to remind Mali that it is jointly responsible for human rights abuses by foreign armed forces on its territory. Mali must meet its human rights obligations by upholding international law to ensure justice and accountability.  

Thank you.

Justice, Human rights, Geneva, geneva4justice, GICJ, Geneva International Centre For Justice