A/HRC/23/6 56. In response to the question about the chief obstacles to the implementation of the agreement to abandon the practice of excision in the communities that had signed it, the delegation said that the sole obstacles were cultural in nature and that many communities had abandoned the practice even without having signed the agreement. 57. Concerning the efficacy of the measures adopted to raise public awareness and educate the public on FGM, the measures that the Government would be taking in the future and its point of view on enacting legislation prohibiting all forms of FGM, the delegation stated that the implementation of programmes and policies needed to be pursued and strengthened. While the development of a legislative text might be indicative of political will, it would not in itself put an end to the practice. 58. As to the lack of concordance of the Personal and Family Code with Mali’s international obligations, the delegation explained that the authorities intended to harmonize domestic legislation with the international legal instruments signed by Mali. The national policy for the promotion and protection of human rights that was soon to be adopted would certainly set out options in that regard. 59. To the question of whether the Government had taken any action against people involved in obstructing freedom of the press, the delegation replied that the Government was committed to fighting any obstacles to press freedom. There had been some unfortunate and damaging instances of excesses committed against journalists in the wake of the events, at a time of extreme weakness, even non-existence, of the State. Such instances had greatly diminished, and any aggression against journalists was now the subject of investigation. 60. Portugal condemned the attacks committed by terrorist groups and maintained that all those responsible for human rights violations must be held accountable. It hoped that further efforts would be made by the Malian authorities to address challenges regarding human rights. It made recommendations. 61. The Republic of Korea emphasized the importance of the international community’s support for Mali. It expected Mali to make considerable efforts to ensure the fundamental principle of the rule of law, freedom of expression and the right to property for foreign nationals. It made recommendations. 62. Romania expressed gratitude that Mali was meeting with the Council, particularly given the situation in the country. It expressed its solidarity; the Ministry for Foreign Affairs had made a statement to that end, highlighting his country’s support of the territorial integrity of the country. It made recommendations. 63. The Russian Federation noted that events in Mali threatened the stability of the entire region and strongly condemned the actions of extremists and separatists. It considered that the military operation to restore the territorial integrity of Mali would be carried out in strict compliance with Security Council resolution 2085 (2012). It made recommendations. 64. Rwanda noted with satisfaction that Mali had ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and its Optional Protocol. It also congratulated Mali on establishing its national programme against excision. It made a recommendation. 65. Senegal noted that, in the current situation prevailing in Mali, respect for human rights remained an imperative. It pleaded in favour of common concerted action to recover the territorial integrity of the country and a permanent return to peace and security. 66. Singapore expressed concern about the deteriorating situation in Mali. It noted the recent legislative changes, including the strengthening of the domestic legal framework. It GE.13-11815 9