A/HRC/34/72 of human rights violations, including State agents, are systematically investigated and prosecuted. 85. The Independent Expert notes that it is absolutely vital to restore the authority of the State in Mali. He has been informed that in the commune of Djebock in Gao, the Groupe d’autodéfense des Touaregs Imghad et leurs alliés operates a detention centre, to which the Human Rights and Protection Division of MINUSMA was refused access in May. On the other hand, a leader of the Groupe d’autodéfense des Touaregs Imghad et leurs alliés has reportedly been appointed to resolve trade disputes and disagreements through mediation and friendly negotiations, while a marabout in Tamkoutat has been given jurisdiction over criminal matters. The marabout is supposed to resolve such matters in accordance with the sharia. The Independent Expert was already aware of the involvement of traditional or religious “judges” who review civil, judicial and religious matters in accordance with Islamic law in certain regions of Gao where there are no secular judicial authorities. In areas controlled by armed groups, these traditional judges can hardly be said to be truly independent. 86. The Independent Expert notes that international partners are committed to helping to build the capacities of Malian institutions with respect to human rights protection. The efforts made in Mali by MINUSMA, the United Nations country team and other actors are encouraging. They are working to help protect civilians and restore State authority and to combat chronic malnutrition. This support is also available at the regional level, especially through the work of the Group of Five for the Sahel, the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union. Other positive signs include the unbroken ceasefire since mid-September and a decrease in the numbers of human rights violations and abuses in recent months. The Independent Expert urges all parties to the peace agreement to renew their commitment to implementing it fully, and in particular its provisions relating to human rights. B. Recommendations 87. The Independent Expert reiterates his previous recommendations and puts forward the recommendations set out below. 88. The Independent Expert recommends that the Malian authorities should: (a) Take steps to ensure that the counter-terrorism unit of Commune III is operational outside the capital, enabling victims to be heard and to exercise their right to justice, and helping to combat impunity; (b) Ensure the transparency of investigations, disciplinary procedures and proceedings concerning members of security forces who are alleged to have been involved in human rights violations. The Ministry of Defence and the security forces should keep records and publish regular reports on allegations of human rights violations and abuses committed by soldiers and on the number of soldiers subject to disciplinary or legal action; (c) Take all possible measures to ensure that the growth in gross domestic product leads to a proportional decrease in the poverty rate. The Independent Expert recommends that no effort be spared by the Government in this regard; (d) Make sure that the parliamentary network for the defence of human rights liaises with NGOs and other national human rights actors and political parties to raise awareness and develop human rights information strategies. In particular, the network should make full use of the parliamentary procedure to carry out its human rights monitoring role; (e) Make sure, in collaboration with the international forces, that all measures taken by these forces are in conformity with their obligations under international law. In this connection, the Independent Expert commends the Malian 16 GE.17-02058