A/HRC/23/6 90. With regard to the question about the disappearances of journalists, the delegation said that Mali deplored and condemned the attacks on journalists but that no disappearances had occurred. 91. Concerning the training of the military in international humanitarian law, the delegation noted that all military contingents received such training and that when soldiers were deployed to the front, they were given refresher training on the subject. 92. Referring again to the Personal and Family Code, the delegation acknowledged that several of its provisions were at variance with the international commitments undertaken by Mali. According to the Constitution, international texts had precedence over domestic instruments, and the courts might alter provisions in the code in the process of legal review. 93. With regard to the danger of ethnic conflicts, the delegation stated that Mali would do everything possible to avoid the emergence of such conflicts in its territory. Mali was not at war with any religion, race or ethnic group. 94. The delegation emphasized that Mali had requested the assistance of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in working out a transitional justice system adapted to the situation in the country. 95. Regarding the early holding of elections, the delegation noted that Mali was in favour of that and was doing all it could to bring the elections about. 96. As to assistance to displaced persons, the delegation referred to the establishment of a ministry for humanitarian action and stressed the importance of national solidarity. 97. With reference to the fight against impunity, the delegation noted that before one could speak of a State based on the rule of law, the State had to exist, which had not been the case in Mali for many weeks. Nevertheless, the situation was evolving, and the fight against impunity would go on. 98. Concerning the road map, the delegation explained that it had been developed by the Government and that agreement had to be reached on the process of adopting it. The road map centred on two main themes: restoring Mali’s territorial integrity, an effort now under way with the support of the international community, especially France; and moving towards an inclusive national political dialogue. 99. Lastly, the delegation recalled Mali’s firm intention to cooperate with the mechanisms of the Human Rights Council and its determination to strengthen democracy. 100. Burkina Faso recognized the continued commitment of Mali to guaranteeing individual rights at all times, including during the current unprecedented crisis. It noted the efforts by Mali to promote sexual rights and its ongoing establishment of a national programme to fight FGM. It made recommendations. 101. Burundi noted with satisfaction that Mali had adopted a strategic framework to encourage growth, poverty reduction, universal access to health services and good governance. It welcomed the country’s efforts in economic, social and cultural fields and its programme against FGM. It made a recommendation. 102. Canada asked Mali what measures and legislation had been taken to counter the practice of FGM since 2008. Canada expressed concerns about arbitrary detention and the arrest of Prime Minister Diarra. It encouraged prosecution of those responsible and intensifying efforts to ensure human rights. It made recommendations. 103. Cape Verde applauded the clear, frank analysis in the national report concerning the problems and challenges involved in improving the human rights situation in the country, and especially the quality of the specific information on steps to be taken in this regard. 12 GE.13-11815