Nordic-Baltic statement.
Mr. President.
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.
We thank the Independent Expert for his important report.
We are alarmed by the worsened human rights situation in Mali following the rapidly deteriorating security situation in all regions of the country, exacerbated by the departure of MINUSMA and the intensified conflict in the north of Mali. We are deeply concerned by the systematic targeting of civilians by extremist armed groups, including the use of sexual and gender-based violence, as well as by continued reports of grave violations committed by national forces and foreign security personnel.
We urge the Government of Mali to ensure full accountability for violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law committed by all parties, including through credible and independent investigations.
We note with concern the continued shrinking civic space, including attacks on and arbitrary detentions of human rights defenders, journalists and civil society representatives.
Mr Independent Expert: How should the international community help strengthen access to justice and increase accountability in Mali, taking into consideration the growing difficulty facing human rights advocacy in the country and the unwillingness of Malian authorities to cooperate with you during your mission?
I thank you.