A/HRC/23/6 78. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was extremely concerned at the current situation in Mali and its impact on human rights. It noted reports of abuses by the Malian army and called upon the authorities to uphold their obligations under international law. It made recommendations. 79. Germany noted that the human rights situation in Mali was alarming. It reminded the authorities of their duty to protect its population during a state of emergency. It asked what measures the Malian authorities had taken to support displaced populations. It made recommendations. 80. Uruguay highlighted progress, including establishment of the National Human Rights Commission, adoption of the Personal and Family Code and harmonization of national legislation with universal standards for the protection of women’s rights. It referred to previously accepted recommendations on FGM and the death penalty. It made recommendations. 81. Viet Nam shared, with others, concern over serious human rights violations in Mali, but believed that, continuing endeavours to implement first-cycle recommendations of the universal periodic review, it would spare no efforts and resources to restore normalcy, stability and peace for a better guarantee of human rights. 82. Algeria recognized that its presence alone at the second cycle of the universal periodic review bore witness to the willingness of Mali to protect and promote human rights and to cooperate with the Council’s mechanisms. It supported the country’s efforts to overcome a dual institutional and security crisis. It made recommendations. 83. Angola was deeply concerned about the security and humanitarian issues with which Mali was confronted, including reports of human rights violations committed on its territory. It condemned all such violations and appealed to those implicated to comply with international principles. It made a recommendation. 84. Argentina welcomed the delegation of Mali and thanked it for presenting its report. It congratulated the country on its ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. It made recommendations. 85. Australia was concerned about reports of grave human rights violations and recruiting of child soldiers by terrorist, extremist and other armed groups in Mali. It was also concerned about reports of increased numbers of refugees and displaced persons. It made recommendations. 86. Austria asked what measures had been taken by the Government of Mali to ensure the security of the many persons displaced as a result of the insurrection in the north and imposition of a brutal interpretation of sharia law. It made recommendations. 87. Bangladesh recognized the challenges faced by Mali in the current situation but appreciated its efforts and commitments to improve enjoyment of human rights, despite being a least developing country. It encouraged Mali to seek technical assistance from the international community. 88. Belgium deeply regretted the deterioration in the humanitarian situation in Mali as a result of the growing flows of displaced persons and refugees. Lack of security and difficulty of access to the affected populations had hampered humanitarian efforts. It made recommendations. 89. Brazil noted the participation of Mali in a regional child-labour prevention project, contributing to implementation of a national action plan, its legislation on trafficking of persons and signing of bilateral agreements banning trafficking of children. It was deeply concerned about the current situation in Mali. GE.13-11815 11