A/HRC/43/76 IV. Conclusions and recommendations A. Conclusions 63. The Independent Expert notes that Mali and the Sahel face enormous and multifaceted challenges in terms of security, governance and development. Mali and the entire subregion are facing danger such as they have never known before. The international community should begin to treat the Sahel issue as a global problem, and not simply a problem for Mali or the region. The Malian State, the G5 Sahel Joint Force, MINUSMA and the international community present in Mali should join forces to step up the protection of civilians in areas at risk. The security situation in the central regions and in Timbuktu, Ménaka and Gao regions deteriorated alarmingly in 2019. People live in fear as a result of incidents related to intercommunal conflicts, the activities of extremist groups, abuses committed by the security forces in the course of counter-terrorism operations and the levels of crime that prevail. As the Independent Expert noted in his previous report, the sluggish pace at which State authority is being restored in the centre and north of the country continues to interfere with the protection of the civilian population. It is imperative that the international community mobilize to address the unfolding humanitarian crisis by funding the Humanitarian Response Plan. 64. The Malian State has international human rights obligations and must take measures to prevent and punish violations and abuses committed by State and nonState actors. The Independent Expert welcomes the direct and proactive engagement of the new Government in July and August 2019 aimed at reducing intercommunal tensions and promoting reconciliation and peaceful coexistence through consultations with the communities concerned. It must go further and ensure that the perpetrators of the violence are brought to justice. 65. The protection of civilians and the promotion and protection of their rights, including the right to life, should be priorities for the Malian authorities. The Independent Expert emphasizes that there can be no productive discussions to further peace and development without the involvement of women and young people from all social backgrounds. 66. The Independent Expert has always been of the view that women’s rights should be given special attention with a view to reducing the extreme inequality between women and men, protecting women from gender-based violence and ensuring women’s political participation. 67. The Independent Expert continues to consider that, although the security and human rights situation in Mali is extremely worrying, it is surmountable if all efforts to that end are coordinated in the same direction. The Independent Expert makes a special appeal to the authorities, civil society and the international community to forge a strong consensus in this regard that can generate the strong political will and necessary determination to achieve results. All those involved should undertake a strategic review of security and peacebuilding responses. B. Recommendations 68. The Independent Expert reiterates his previous recommendations and makes the additional recommendations set out below. 69. The Independent Expert recommends that the Malian authorities: (a) Continue to engage actively in peacebuilding, mediation, dialogue and reconciliation initiatives with all Malian citizens in order to achieve a cessation of hostilities and a lasting peace; (b) Support civil society actors working for peaceful coexistence, conflict prevention and resolution and human rights; assess and strengthen capacities and 14 GE.20-00529