Australia thanks the Independent Expert for his report. We remain deeply concerned by the ongoing violence and instability in Mali, particularly its impact on women and children.

We urge the Malian authorities to strengthen the rule of law. It is crucial that all violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law are fully investigated. Perpetrators of crimes, including human rights abuses committed against civilians by security forces and armed non-state groups, must be brought to justice.

We urge the Malian authorities to maintain its timetable for a return to democratic elections in 2024 and ensure they will be held in an atmosphere free of threats and intimidation.

Australia urges the Malian authorities to adopt legal mechanisms to protect children, combat child marriage and take steps to eliminate the practice of female genital mutilation.

Australia asks: what progress has and can be made to reduce the disproportionate impacts of conflict on children in Mali?