A/HRC/23/57 groups, particularly the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad, Ansar Dine and the Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa, and also to officers of the Malian army. Internally displaced persons and refugees have stated that they fled their region of origin for fear of reprisals on the part of both the Malian army and the armed groups. The numerous grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law committed since January 2012 are consequences of a cycle of impunity that is part of a long tradition of violence and crime committed during successive periods of conflict in the country extending over more than 20 years.1 Since the consideration of the High Commissioner’s previous report, the Malian authorities have taken a number of steps to combat impunity and to bring legal proceedings against the alleged perpetrators of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. It is important that these efforts are supported by the international community if the country is to be able to address the numerous challenges it faces in relation to security, restoration of the rule of law, democratic and economic reconstruction and respect for human rights. 1 2 A/HRC/22/33 and Corr.1, para. 17. GE.13-15228