Increase the role of women in the peace process. They noted the need for the use of traditional justice mechanisms in order to allow the country to move out from the cycle of vicious conflict. Calls were made on the Government to continue its efforts to restore the State’s authority. The security and stability of Mali had important bearing on the situation in the Sahel region. One speaker supported the African way to solve African problems. Others further supported the efforts by the Government of Mali in protecting and promoting human rights. Calls were made to respect Mali’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Speakers emphasised the importance of genuine dialogue when dealing with human rights situations. The Universal Periodic Review process was of utmost importance. Mali’s cooperation with regional and international mechanisms was noted, despite its ongoing challenges that needed to be taken into account. The Human Rights Council, as well as multilateral and international agencies, needed to follow Mali’s lead and respect its sovereignty. Calls were made for the non-politicisation of human rights.
Concluding Remarks
ALIOUNE TINE, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Mali, said everything in Mali hinged on security, and the lack thereof. Until that was addressed, and it had not been for over a decade, there was still an aggravating factor in the country. The issue of geopolitics was of concern, and whilst there was still polarisation and not dialogue, it was not possible to find a solution. While there had been changes, there was a need for more progress. The international community and the African community needed to consider what were the appropriate solutions to address the security crisis. Seventy per cent of Mali was now occupied, and there was a situation where there was neither justice, nor the security forces, and this created vulnerability. There needed to be some assistance; security needed to be beefed up, and there should also be assistance to the judiciary. It was difficult for investigations to be carried out; even opening an investigation and going to the relevant place was a problem. Judges were afraid to go where they were needed; they were present in the cities, but not so much elsewhere, and the State institutions were weak or absent. This needed to be addressed. These were priority questions, and it was up to the international community and Africa as a whole to help.
The security situation was getting worse in the region. Benin was being attacked, and the situation was also an issue in Senegal and Togo. With regard to the Wagner Group, civil society, the State and the military were present, and perhaps the best place to discuss this was in Malian civil society that worked in the field of human rights. It was difficult to get reliable information on the Wagner Group. The only information available was that in the villages people saw white people. When personal accounts were received, this would be addressed. There needed to be dialogue with and cooperation from the Government, as well as openness, but also from international partners. Dialogue and mutual understanding were needed in order to achieve results in addressing these problems. For the time being, there was a gap, and this was worrying. The authorities were worried about this; there was a threat perceived due to the geo-political tensions. As regarded press freedoms and political space, it was very difficult for civil society to speak out. Mr. Tine said he would continue his dialogue with the authorities to ensure that there was space for political parties of differing perspectives. This openness was important, as well as the need to recall international obligations and good practices, which was inherent within Malian society. Impunity could not be addressed without strengthening the judiciary. Military justice was also a major issue, and there were cases that should be resolved, but the procedures were not working.
Source: UN Human Rights Council