Caritas warns that unless peace is established in Mali, insecurity could spread to the whole region.
The situation in Mali remains unstable following an insurgency which began in 2012. Caritas calls for calm, inclusive and transparent presidential elections when they take place in July 2013. It also urges the safe and rapid return of those displaced by fighting to their homes ahead before the elections to guarantee security in the country.
In an address to the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Caritas said, “The poorest and most vulnerable people are the most affected by the crisis. Malian children, women and men have the right to live in peace like everyone else.”
The impact of the conflict in the north of the country has affected 2.8 million people. The supply of food and services has been disrupted. It’s estimated that 450,000 children under 5 are malnourished and 210,000 are acutely malnourished.
Over 200,000 Malians have sought refuge in neighbouring countries, whereas a further 200,000 have been displaced within the country.
Théodore Togo, secretary general of Caritas Mali said, “We hope that our national and international partners and all those who support Mali contribute to the definitive return of peace to Mali. It is only once peace has been established that social cohesion can return and peaceful and transparent elections can take place across Mali.”
A conflict erupted between rebels and national forces in January 2012, plunging the country into crisis. France sent troops in January 2013 as the rebels advanced towards the capital, Bamako.
As French troops prepare to withdraw a contingency of 12,600 peace keepers will be deployed early July , Their mission is to maintain peace and stabilise the North of the country.
For further information on the Office of the High Commissioner for Human rights follow this link.
For more information, please contact Valerie Kaye at kaye@caritas.va or call 0039 (06) 698 797 57