In Mali, the ICRC brings aid to people suffering the combined effects of the armed conflict and the food crisis.
Caring for the sick and injured
In northern Mali, the ICRC has made it easier for war-wounded people to obtain emergency care. The hospital in Gao is again operational thanks to ICRC support.
The ICRC supports health facilities in Mali and was on hand for the national polio-vaccination day.
Visiting detainees
The ICRC visits people detained in connection with the conflict in northern Mali, both people in the hands of the Malian army and those held by other parties to the conflict. It has also facilitated the return of detainees freed by their captors.
An agreement signed with the Malian government in April 2013 gives the ICRC access to all places of detention in the country and facilitates our efforts to enhance detainee welfare.
Aiding Malian detainees and refugees
The ICRC and the Mali Red Cross supply food, shelter and medical care for displaced people and residents in the regions of Gao, Kidal and Timbuktu. Further south, both organizations are helping people who have taken refuge in the regions of Ségou, Sikasso and Mopti.
The conflict in northern Mali has caused large numbers of people to flee to neighbouring countries. The ICRC and the Red Cross Societies of those concerned countries have provided food and other basic items to Malian refugees and returnees.
The support of the Mali Red Cross enables many displaced persons and refugees to stay in touch with their families via Red Cross messages.
Providing drinking water
In northern Mali, the ICRC is supporting fuel to power stations in the towns of Gao, Kidal and Timbuktu in order to maintain the drinking-water supply.
Mitigating the effects of the food crisis
The ICRC and the Mali Red Cross are distributing food to around half a million people in northern Mali. After an interruption due to the security situation, distributions resumed in mid-July 2012.
With ICRC support, millions of animals have been vaccinated and treated against parasites. Animal feed has been made available. The weakest animals are bought at a good price and slaughtered and the meat is distributed to the poorest people. The proceeds from the sale of the animals enable farmers to buy grain.
Supporting migrants returning from Libya
The armed conflict in Libya caused migrants, including many Malians, to return home via Niger. Thanks to shelter and transit centre set up by the ICRC in cooperation with the Red Cross Society of Niger, vulnerable migrants receive food, have access to transport and are able to communicate with their families.
Promoting international humanitarian law
The ICRC promotes international humanitarian law among armed forces personnel and other weapon bearers, and encourages its implementation by the authorities.
