An Uphill Battle: Russia’s Veto Threatens Human Rights in Mali

Veto Puts Rights in Mali at Risk

Russia‘s Veto and the Consequences

Russia‘s recent veto of a United Nations Security Council resolution has dealt a severe blow to rights protections in Mali. The resolution aimed to extend sanctions against eight individuals suspected of sabotaging a peace deal and impeding the work of a panel of experts tasked with tracking abuses by armed groups and Malian security forces. This veto puts the monitoring and reporting of human rights abuses in Mali at serious risk, jeopardizing efforts towards accountability and justice.

In its reports, the panel of experts had previously highlighted grave human rights abuses in Mali, including attacks against civilians by Malian forces and the recruitment of children by armed groups. Of particular concern was the panel’s express concern over “patterns of conflict-related sexual violence” in Mali‘s Mopti and Ménaka regions, which involved foreign security partners of the Malian Armed Forces. These reports were corroborated by investigations conducted by Human Rights Watch, which documented serious abuses by members of the Malian army and foreign fighters associated with the Russia-linked Wagner Group.

Implications for Accountability and Civic Space

The cessation of the panel’s activities due to Russia‘s veto could have significant repercussions for accountability and the protection of human rights in Mali. It is especially concerning given the backdrop of shrinking civic space and an increased crackdown on dissent and independent media within the country.

The Malian authorities have already shown resistance to international scrutiny and accountability mechanisms. In February, they ordered the head of the human rights section of the UN peacekeeping mission to leave the country, accusing him of “subversive actions.” In June, Mali‘s foreign minister called for the withdrawal of the UN mission altogether after it accused Malian troops and Wagner fighters of killing over 500 people during a military operation in March 2022. The UN mission is now set to leave Mali by the end of the year.

Russia‘s previous blocking of Security Council support for sanctions on Mali, after the announcement of delayed elections until 2026, further demonstrates the difficulties in achieving international consensus and the potential consequences for human rights protection in the country.

The Importance of Continued Collaboration

As the panel’s work comes to an end and the UN mission prepares to leave, it is crucial for the Malian authorities to continue working with human rights institutions to ensure the protection of rights and hold abusers accountable. These institutions include the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the UN Human Rights Office, and the UN independent expert on human rights in Mali.

In particular, the upcoming October session of the African Commission should publicly express concerns about the serious violations in Mali and collaborate with Mali‘s National Human Rights Commission to gather evidence of human rights abuses. It is essential that these institutions provide recommendations to ensure that rights are protected and that those responsible for abuses are held accountable.

Conclusion

Russia‘s veto of the UN Security Council resolution has undermined the monitoring and reporting of human rights abuses in Mali. This veto not only jeopardizes accountability for serious violations but also exacerbates the existing challenges faced by the Malian authorities in upholding human rights and protecting civic space.

In order to mitigate the consequences of this veto, it is crucial for Mali to strengthen cooperation with regional and international human rights institutions. It is through continued collaboration and the gathering of evidence that the rights of all Malians can be protected, and the perpetrators of abuses can be held accountable. The international community must also remain engaged and provide support to ensure that human rights are respected and upheld in Mali.

Ultimately, without sustained efforts towards accountability and respect for human rights, Mali risks further instability and undermines the prospects for a peaceful and just society.