As delivered by Jessica Carl
29th Session of the Human Rights Council’s UPR
Geneva, January 16, 2018
Thank you Mr. President.
The United States warmly welcomes the Malian delegation.
We commend Mali for working to reestablish democratic governance since 2012.
We are gravely concerned by the deterioration of the human rights situation throughout Mali. Many human rights challenges stem from the failure to implement the 2015 Algiers Peace Accord, which has allowed non-state armed groups, foreign terrorist organizations, violent extremist organizations, and security forces to commit human rights violations and abuses with impunity.
These groups exploit the failure of state authorities to prevent human rights violations and abuses including violence against civilians, extrajudicial killings, hostage taking, pillaging, forced labor and slavery, sexual violence, and the recruitment and use of child soldiers. Insecurity has delayed elections and foreign terrorist organizations have forced the closure of public schools.
We are also gravely concerned by credible allegations of serious human rights abuses and violations by Malian security forces.
Bearing in mind these concerns, we recommend Mali:
- Fully implement the Algiers Peace Accord, including by providing meaningful decentralization of central government authority and carrying out demobilization, disarmament, and reintegration programs.
- Investigate credible allegations of human rights abuses and violations, and hold anyone found responsible accountable.
- Enact and enforce laws to criminalize the recruitment of child soldiers and slavery.
(end statement)