Global Issues
Reports on Sexual Violence in Mali Grow Due to Unrest
An alarming number of acts of sexual violence against women have been reported in northern Mali, according to the United Nations, U.N. Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict Margot Wallstrom called on the parties involved in the unrest-- Tuareg rebels and government soldiers-- to respect international humanitarian and human rights law.
Sexual violence of any kind in the realms of an armed conflict can constitute war crimes or crimes of humanity. The UN Secretary General can publicly name and shame these acts as a basis for Security Council action.
'Sexual violence contributes to the destabilization of the region,' Wallstrom said Tuesday. Therefore, she added, 'any peaceful solution achieved through political dialogue must include women and must address the crime of rape.'
About 200.000 people in northern Mali have fled their homes since January due to continued fighting between government forces and Tuareg rebels of the National Movement for the Liberation of the AZAWAD (MNLA). The majority is seeking shelter in neighbouring countries, whereas the UN estimates that 93.000 people have been displaced throughout Mali.
On March 21, the rebels took control of the government led by President Amadou Toumani Toure. Since then, the U.N. Security Council has issued a number of statements condemning the coup d'etat and demanding the restoration of constitutional rule.
Following pressure from the international community, the rebels declared a ceasefire on April 5. Moussa Ag Assarid, a Paris-based spokesman for the MNLA), explained that the group was ceasing military operations because it had reached its goal. The day after, the rebels signed a framework agreement with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in order to hand over power to a civilian government. On the same day, rebel leader Amadou Sanogo said the Tuareg was going to set up an interim regime and make way for elections as soon as possible.
The members of the UN Security Council still are deeply concerned with the continued unrest in the north of Mali, Council President Susan Rice of the United States said Tuesday in a press statement. The concern is first and foremost 'due to the presence among the rebels of members of Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb and extremist elements,' she said.
© Inter Press Service (2012) — All Rights Reserved. Original source: Inter Press Service