A/HRC/38/7 54. The United States of America expressed concern about the deterioration of the human rights situation throughout Mali, noting that many challenges stemmed from the failure to implement the Algiers peace agreement of 2015, and the failure of the authorities to prevent abuse perpetrated by terrorist organizations. It also expressed concern about allegations that serious human rights violations had been perpetrated by Malian security forces. 55. Uruguay commended Mali for the ratification of almost all of the international human rights instruments and for its efforts to eradicate female genital mutilation. It noted, however, that further efforts were needed to improve gender equality. 56. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela welcomed the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission and the implementation of socioeconomic development programmes to improve the realization of the right to health. In its view, the international community should continue to assist Mali in that regard. It called on Mali to continue consolidating peace and to strengthen its measures to support women and children. 57. Viet Nam welcomed the progress achieved in the protection and promotion of human rights in the current difficult context, in particular the adoption of socioeconomic development plans. It also welcomed the signature of the peace agreement, and called on all parties to implement the agreement. Viet Nam called on the international community to support Mali in its efforts. 58. Zambia commended Mali for the human rights training provided to law enforcement officials and judges, and welcomed the creation of the national action committee on the eradication of practices harmful to women and children and the adoption of the national programme to combat female genital mutilation. 59. Algeria welcomed the State’s constructive engagement with the Human Rights Council, the progress achieved regarding the implementation of the Algiers peace agreement, the ratification of international human rights instruments and the adoption of a number of programmes, plans and sectorial strategies. 60. Angola welcomed the State’s cooperation with human rights mechanisms, the adoption of national policies on human rights and transitional justice and the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission. It noted with concern the high number of displaced persons and the closure of many schools owing to the armed conflict. 61. Argentina commended Mali for its accession to the Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons and the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. It also welcomed the measures adopted to implement the peace agreement. 62. Australia was concerned about the welfare of vulnerable children, at reports of killings of detainees, torture of suspects and mock executions and ill-treatment of prisoners, and that the death penalty remained part of the law and was a mandatory sentence for some crimes. 63. Austria highlighted the importance of strengthening the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, and expressed concern about the persistence of discrimination against women and gender-based violence. Austria stated that victims should receive reparation. 64. Bangladesh commended Mali for its efforts to protect human rights despite the security challenges it faced. It welcomed measures taken to ensure the administration of justice. Bangladesh expressed confidence that Mali would be able to overcome the existing challenges and fulfil its national development plans with assistance from the international community. 65. Belgium expressed awareness of the challenges that Mali faced in the fight against terrorism and welcomed the commitment of the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel to respect human rights. Belgium also welcomed the adoption of the law on quotas for women in political and public life. 66. With regard to efforts to combat impunity, the delegation stated that, with the support of partners such as MINUSMA, a programme had been set up to restore justice in GE.18-06102 7