Making progress towards elections, ensuring human rights are protected, and upholding the rule of law in Mali
Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the Security Council briefing on MINUSMA
Thank you, Mr President and my thanks to SRSG El-Ghassim Wane and Ms Maiga for their perspectives and insights.
Mr President, first, like many of my Council colleagues, I am deeply concerned by the recent coup in Mali, and its consequences for the return to constitutional order, the stability of Mali and the wider region, and for the ability of state institutions to uphold the rule of law. And I join others in regretting the attack on MINUSMA yesterday.
The UK calls on the new transitional authorities to meet the conditions set by ECOWAS: in particular, to prepare for elections without delay, to ensure the unconditional release of those still detained, and make certain that the rest of the transition period is based on dialogue, consultation and compromise. As the Secretary-General sets out in his report, the former government had taken a number of steps in the right direction to make the political process more inclusive, and the needs and aspirations of Malians will be met through inclusive representation within government and the active, meaningful participation of all sectors of society, including women.
Second, we urge the new transitional authorities to uphold the commitments made by the former transitional government with respect to tackling impunity for violations and abuses of human rights. We welcome the trial and conviction of those responsible for killing a UN peacekeeper, but many more Malians are still waiting for justice. So we urge the transitional authorities to make progress on trials and prosecutions, to carry out a full and transparent investigation into the investigation of the CMA president, and to renew efforts to protect civilians.
Third, we urge the transitional authorities to renew their commitment to the Peace Agreement. Progress depends on full ownership by all signatory parties and their involvement in political and decision-making processes. We support the Secretary-General’s call for an impact-oriented and people-centred strategy for the centre – a strategy that brings together security, governance and development responses under a clear, overarching vision. This strategy needs to be owned by the government, with MINUSMA present to support its implementation. The meeting we hosted with France, Norway and Mali last month on the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda in Mali demonstrated the real impact and value of increasing women’s participation in the Peace Process.
In conclusion, Mr President, the UK condemns the coup and stands ready to support the efforts of ECOWAS and the UN to ensure compliance with ECOWAS conditions, to make progress towards elections, and to help ensure human rights are protected and promoted, and the rule of law upheld.
Thank you.