COMMITTEE ON THE ELIMINATION
OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
риаCONSIDERATION
OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES
UNDER ARTICLE 9 OF THE CONVENTION
Concluding
observations of the Committee on the
Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Mali
275. At its 1028th meeting,
on 10 March 1994 (see CERD/C/SR.1028), the Committee reviewed the
implementation of the Convention by Mali based on its previous report
(CERD/C/130/Add.2) and the consideration thereof by the Committee
(see CERD/C/SR.754). The Committee noted that no new report had
been received since 1986.
276. Members of the
Committee noted that the military Government, which had been in
power for 23 years, had been overthrown in 1991. Since then, a multiparty
political system had been established, democratic elections had
been organized and a new Constitution had been adopted. The period
under review had been marked by the conclusion of that process.
There were thus signs of improvement in institutions, legislation
and the general human rights situation.
277. Members of the
Committee noted that in April 1991 a peace agreement had been concluded
between the new Government and the organizations of Tuareg opposition
groups. Acts of violence had nevertheless continued to take place
between the Tuareg groups, which had not accepted the peace agreement,
and the Malian army, and ethnic conflict had developed.
278. Members of the
Committee also noted that the last two periodic reports of Mali
had been incomplete, particularly with regard to the implementation
of article 5 of the Convention. Members expressed concern over the
situation of individuals belonging to the Tuareg community, noting
that they were not represented in Parliament. In this connection,
members wished to have detailed information on the extent to which
Tuaregs participated in public life.
Concluding observations
279. At its 1037th meeting,
on 15 March 1994, the Committee adopted the following concluding
observations.
280. Regret is expressed
that Mali has not submitted a report since 1986 and that it has
not responded to the Committee's invitation to take part in its
deliberations at the current session. The unwillingness of the Government
of Mali to cooperate and to maintain a dialogue with the Committee
makes it difficult for the latter to discharge its functions under
the Convention effectively.
281. Recalling that
the last report submitted by the Government of Mali in 1986 did
not follow the Committee's guidelines for the preparation of reports,
the State party is requested to comply fully with reporting obligations
under article 9 of the Convention and to ensure that the report
to be submitted to the Committee is prepared in accordance with
guidelines and submitted without further delay. In that connection,
it is suggested that the Government of Mali avail itself of technical
assistance provided under the advisory services and technical assistance
programme of the Centre for Human Rights.
282. It is recommended
that the next report to be submitted include detailed information
on measures taken to implement article 4 (b), measures which have
been taken to protect the rights of Tuaregs under article 5 of the
Convention and the difficulties encountered in implementing the
provisions of the Convention.
283. The Committee draws
the attention of the State party to the amendment to article 8,
paragraph 6, of the Convention, which was approved by the fifteenth
meeting of States parties and by the General Assembly in its resolution
47/111, and encourages the State party to expedite its action formally
to accept that amendment.