A/HRC/38/7 41. Sierra Leone welcomed the State’s commitment regarding transitional justice and the establishment of the Ministry of Human Rights and State Reform and the National Human Rights Commission. It noted that Mali had requested technical assistance to address challenges in the implementation of the peace agreement, to draft reports and to implement recommendations made by treaty bodies and during the universal periodic review process. 42. Slovenia noted that the national report had been submitted in the context of the implementation of the peace agreement. It also noted the introduction of several bills to bring national legislation into conformity with international human rights instruments. 43. South Africa welcomed the measures taken by Mali to promote and protect human rights, including the adoption of the national human rights policy and action plan; the national transitional justice policy and action plan and the strategic framework for economic recovery and sustainable development. 44. The State of Palestine commended Mali for its efforts to strengthen human rights protection in the country and highlighted the importance of ensuring equal treatment and non-discrimination for women. It stated that it was important that the Government of Mali did not yield to the pressure of religious and conservative groups, in particular regarding revisions of the Personal and Family Code. 45. The Sudan commended Mali for its cooperation with the international community and engagement with the universal periodic review mechanism, despite the security situation, and for establishing a committee on follow-up to the recommendations made under the 2008 review. 46. Sweden welcomed the steps taken to increase the participation of women in decision-making. It noted, however, that impunity for perpetrators of human rights violations persisted despite the acceptance by Mali of recommendations made during the previous review to hold them accountable. 47. Switzerland noted that, despite the signature of the peace agreement in 2015, the internal conflict had intensified and the general situation had worsened, with continued human rights violations. Switzerland regretted that no legislation prohibiting female genital mutilation had been adopted and that, despite the fact that the death penalty had not been applied since 1980, new death sentences had been pronounced. 48. Timor-Leste welcomed the establishment of the Ministry of Human Rights and State Reform and the adoption of national policies on human rights and transitional justice. It noted in particular the State’s efforts to eradicate female genital mutilation and the adoption of legislative measures to promote gender equality. 49. Togo, while acknowledging persistent challenges, welcomed the progress achieved by Mali since the submission of its report for the previous review, in particular the reestablishment of State authority on all national territory. 50. Tunisia commended the efforts made by Mali to implement the recommendations from the previous review, in particular regarding the establishment of a normative and institutional framework to protect human rights and the creation of the national human rights institution. 51. Turkey condemned the serious human rights violations committed by armed groups in northern Mali and appreciated the State’s approach to the issue of internally displaced persons from that area. It welcomed the efforts made by Mali to strengthen democratic institutions and stated that it would continue to assist Mali in those efforts. 52. Ukraine welcomed the national policies on human rights and on transitional justice. It encouraged Mali to continue implementing, with the support of the international community, the peace agreement. 53. The United Kingdom noted that further progress was needed towards implementing the peace agreement and that investigations should be undertaken regarding human rights violations by armed forces. It underscored that public commitment by Mali to the elections in 2018 was needed and that more should be done to ban female genital mutilation and reopen schools in areas affected by conflict. 6 GE.18-06102