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The violence, which erupted on April 25 and 26, was characterized by massive attacks launched in several cities and towns by various Islamist groups and separatist rebels opposed to the military government – including the capital, Bamako – resulting in numerous civilian casualties and forcing many people to flee their homes.
“We are deeply concerned by the deteriorating human rights situation in Mali,” said OHCHR spokesperson Seif Magango.
Subsequent clashes between Malian security forces and armed groups – including the Tuareg-led Azawad Liberation Front and the Al-Qaeda-linked Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM) – have continued in recent days, particularly in the central region with “negative impact on civilians.”
Top UN officials – incl Secretary General Antonio Guterres and High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk – have called all parties must respect international law, including the protection of civilians.
Violation report
There are also allegations of serious human rights violations following the attackincluding reports of extrajudicial killings and kidnappings.
On May 2, attorney and politician Mountaga Tall was kidnapped from his home by unknown gunmen, while his wife was attacked. His whereabouts and those of several other people who were reportedly abducted remain unknown.
Authorities have announced an investigation into the attack. OHCHR urges that any investigation be comprehensive and conducted in full compliance with international human rights law, including guarantees of due process.
Rising humanitarian concerns
Beyond violence, Humanitarian conditions are deteriorating, with increasing fears of famine in some parts of the country.
In Mopti, central Mali, local officials warned that people risk running out of food amid a blockade imposed by armed groups. The villages of Diafarabe and Bamako were reportedly under blockade by JNIM militants, limiting the flow of vital supplies.
“Such blockades have unacceptable consequences for civilians and must end immediately,” said Magango, the OHCHR spokesperson, calling for safe and unimpeded humanitarian access.
Children pay ‘ultimate price’
The crisis is taking a heavy toll on children, according to the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned that “it is children who bear the brunt of the ongoing violence in Mali.”
A school in Mopti was reportedly affected by the presence of armed elements and explosive devices, affecting at least 300 children, while an attack on a community health center in Gao has damaged access to care for nearly 2,700 children.
“Schools and health facilities should be safe havens and should not be targets,UNICEF said in a statementcalls for the protection of civil infrastructure and an end to violations against children.
Hospitals are overwhelmed
Medical facilities are struggling to cope with the influx of fatalities.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has increased support to hospitals in Bamako, Kati, Mopti and Gao, providing emergency supplies, fuel and technical assistance.
Red Cross teams have delivered medical equipment, supported surgical teams and supplied fuel to ensure hospitals can remain operational, especially in conflict-affected areas.
