Human Rights: UN Independent Expert To Visit Mali At Key Moment In The Current Peace Round

GENEVA, Switzerland, February 26, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- United Nations Independent Expert Suliman Baldo will carry out his fourth official visit to Mali from 1 – 10 March 2015 to assess the current situation of human rights in the country at a key moment in the current round of peace negotiations.

“At this critical period, mediators and the peace negotiations should not ignore justice issues and the potential to prevent future human rights violations by ensuring robust accountability mechanisms,” Mr. Baldo said. “The institutionalisation of human rights norms is crucial and should be foremost in the minds of those seeking to negotiate a lasting peace.”

“The needs of victims and the requirement for justice, for reparations and for guarantees of a non-repetition should be prioritised,” the human rights expert stressed.

The fifth round of the peace negotiations resumed on 16 February 2015, following a series of informal consultations between the Mediation and the parties in Algiers, and on 19th February, a Declaration of consolidation of the ceasefire was been signed by the parties.

The Declaration provides for the immediate cessation of all forms of violence in line with the cease-fire agreement and the implementation of confidence-building measures in collaboration with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), including the release of prisoners.

During his ten-day mission, Mr. Baldo will meet members of the Malian government, as well as representatives of non-governmental organisations, and victims associations. He will also meet with the diplomatic community and the UN Country Team in Mali. The Independent expert also plans to visit northern Mali.

At the end of his visit, the Independent Expert will share with the media his preliminary observations, findings and recommendations.

The Independent Expert will present his report to the Human Rights Council on 24 March 2015 which includes the findings of his previous mission (October 2014). The information collected during this visit will allow the Expert to provide the Council with a verbal update on the human rights situation in Mali.