PRESS RELEASE : 43rd Universal Periodic Review – UK statement on Mali [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 May 2023.

The UK delivered a statement during Mali’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

The UK has been following the deteriorating human rights situation in Mali with increasing concern. The Malian authorities’ obstruction of MINUSMA’s Human Rights Division and restrictions placed on the Council’s Independent Expert, undermine critical efforts to monitor, report on and investigate alleged human rights abuses and violations. This goes hand in hand with a deeply concerning increase in restrictions placed on civil society and political opposition.

Conflict is having a disproportionate impact on women and girls – sexual and gender-based violence must be addressed without delay.

We recommend Mali:

1. Adopt long-overdue legislation on sexual and gender-based violence without delay.
2. Provide unrestricted access for MINUSMA and civil society human rights organisations to investigate alleged human rights abuses and violations, including those attributed to the Malian Defence and Security Forces and Wagner Group.
3. Adopt concrete measures to strengthen and safeguard the rule of law.

Thank you.