LONDON, 17 June 2020 / PRN Africa / --

The UK's International Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French, delivered this statement during the Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on Mali.

Mr Vice President,

The United Kingdom thanks the Independent Expert for his report.

We remain deeply concerned by the situation in Mali, and by the tragic impact that it has on the lives of many in the country. Since the suspension of this session, COVID-19 has added an extra layer of complexity.

We welcome steps taken to implement the peace agreement, but call on the Government to sustain momentum; this includes the enactment of the Inclusive National Dialogue's key recommendations. The Malian people urgently need their Government to provide basic services and good governance in all regions.

We support the Malian Authorities in the difficult tasks of restoring stability. The Government must respect its human rights obligations and take measures to prevent and punish violations and abuses committed by both state and non-state actors, including by delivering thorough, fair and impartial investigations into allegations.

Gender equality is fundamental to building peaceful, stable societies. The report's findings on the situation of women and girls is particularly concerning and we support calls to make the political system more inclusive.

Mr Tine,

How can the Malian Government best follow up on the report which will be published in June 2020 on historic crimes committed in Mali between 2012 and 2018?

Thank you

SOURCE UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office