A/HRC/RES/22/18 Noting with concern the human rights situation in the Republic of Mali, particularly in the north of the country, and the serious humanitarian crisis and its consequences for the countries of the Sahel, 1. Condemns the excesses and abuses committed in the Republic of Mali, particularly in the north of the country, by, among others, the rebels, terrorist groups and other organized transnational crime networks, which include violence against women and children, summary and extrajudicial executions, hostage-taking, pillaging, destruction of cultural and religious sites and recruitment of child soldiers, as well as all other human rights violations; 2. Repeats its call for an immediate halt to all human rights violations and acts of violence and for strict respect of all human rights and fundamental freedoms; 3. Commends the Government of Mali on the steps it has taken to bring all perpetrators of such acts before impartial courts, takes note of the signature of an agreement on judicial cooperation between the Republic of Mali and the International Criminal Court on 13 February 2013, and welcomes the establishment of a commission for dialogue and reconciliation in Mali; 4. Welcomes the current deployment of the African-led International Support Mission to Mali and the crucial support provided to Mali by the countries of the Economic Community of West African States and other member countries of the African Union in the region, including Chad, as well as all its other partners, for the restoration of peace and security throughout its territory; 5. Calls upon all forces and all armed groups present within the territory to ensure that international human rights law and international humanitarian law are strictly respected; 6. Continues to support current efforts by the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States and all other partners to resolve the crisis in the Republic of Mali and bring about a return to constitutional order; 7. Calls upon the Government of Mali to guarantee freedom of expression and invites it to organize free, transparent elections as soon as possible with a view to creating conditions conducive to a return to constitutional order, to a lasting and inclusive reconciliation of the different components of the Malian population and to the consolidation of peace, while ensuring that women participate fully in the election and reconciliation processes; 8. Reiterates its appreciation for the humanitarian assistance already provided to the populations affected by the crisis and urges the international community to continue to deliver, in consultation with the Government of Mali and the bordering countries concerned, adequate and secure humanitarian assistance to refugees and displaced persons; 9. Decides to establish a one-year mandate for an independent expert on the situation of human rights in Mali with a view to assisting the Government of Mali in its efforts to promote and protect human rights; 10. Requests the independent expert, within the bounds of his or her mandate, to work closely with all entities of the United Nations, the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, all other international organizations concerned and with Malian civil society and to report to the Human Rights Council at its twenty-fifth session; 11. Requests the Secretary-General and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to provide the independent expert with all the assistance needed to enable the expert to fully discharge his or her mandate; 2 GE.13-12921