A/HRC/34/72 Fulani community). He is concerned by the claim that the gendarmerie did not investigate this incident. This situation has demoralized the local population and raised concerns about the State’s readiness to protect civilians in the region. 57. The Independent Expert has been informed of other reprisals and tensions between the various groups, resulting in an embargo on the purchase of goods from opposing groups and seizure of their land. Measures of this kind have sometimes specifically targeted members of the Fulani community, who are suspected of encouraging and supporting terrorist attacks. Holding a reconciliation forum like the one described below could be an effective way to diffuse tension in this type of situation. 58. As regards measures taken to reduce these tensions between communities, the Independent Expert would like to mention the reconciliation forum that was held in Niono cercle, in Ségou, on 2 and 3 June 2016. This two-day forum was attended by over 800 persons, including the Prefect of Tenenkou cercle, the Mayor of Kareri, the head of the village of Malemana (accompanied by a delegation of more than 30 persons), the Governor of the region of Ségou, as well as representatives of civil society and of the Malian Government (Ministry of National Reconciliation and certain members of parliament). At the end of this event, the authorities of the commune of Kareri and the Bambara delegation from Malemana, led by the head of the village, apologized to the head of the village of Nampala and the victims’ families that were present. A resolution was adopted to enable members of the Fulani and Bambara communities to move freely within the commune of Kareri. In addition, a recommendation was adopted regarding the prosecution of the perpetrators. C. The situation of women 59. The Independent Expert has always paid special attention to the issue of violence against women. During his mission to Timbuktu, he spoke with victims in the region, whose access to legal remedies has not yet significantly improved. Only 12 women victims of sexual violence have been heard at the Bamako counter-terrorism unit, with support from the fund for access to justice and protection of victims and witnesses, administered by the Malian Human Rights Association and the International Federation for Human Rights Leagues. These organizations continue to speak out against the delays in legal proceedings. The Independent Expert has been informed that the Association des victimes de la répression des mouvements armés has filed three complaints with the Timbuktu Tribunal de Grande Instance (court of major jurisdiction) since 2015. However, according to those in charge of the Association, the court has taken no steps to investigate these complaints. The distant location of the only court that is competent to hear the victims, which is in Bamako, at the Commune III counter-terrorism unit, presents a significant impediment for the fight against impunity. 60. The Independent Expert has interviewed many victims, who have not filed complaints for fear of reprisals or stigmatization; this is another factor that contributes to impunity in the current situation in Mali. He wishes to emphasize that the decision to release the perpetrators of these violations, such as Houka Houka, a former Islamic judge, and Mohamed Mossa, the former Islamic police chief in charge of morality in the city of Timbuktu, who continue to live in the region, was not consistent with efforts to protect the rights of victims to justice and reparation. 61. As regards medical and psychosocial treatment and the socioeconomic reintegration of victims of conflict-related sexual violence, facilities are inadequate in Mali, especially in the north. With that in mind, the Independent Expert commends two initiatives financed by the MINUSMA quick impact project in Goundam and Timbuktu, and similar projects supported by national and international civil society that promote the economic empowerment and social reintegration of women affected by the conflict. 62. The Independent Expert notes that there is still no law on combating gender-based violence and that women continue to be at risk on account of such violence and harmful practices such as female circumcision, early and forced marriage, sexual slavery and rape. 12 GE.17-02058