Mali

• HRC55: States should safeguard civic space and human rights amidst escalating crises

  Statement at the 55th Session of the UN Human Rights Council 

  General Debate Item 4

  Delivered by Sigrid Lipott

  Thank you Mr President,

  CIVICUS encourages the Council to play a more assertive role in preventing rather than reacting to human rights crises and serious crimes. The rapid and continued deterioration of civic space is one of the first early warning signs on which the Council should promptly act.

  Civic space conditions in Mali are dire, with an escalation of violations of freedom of expression amid censorship. In recent months, journalists, human rights defenders and religious leaders have been facing  intimidation, judicial harassment and prosecution for their criticism of the transitional military authorities, with many arbitrarily detained. CSOs and political opposition parties have been dissolved or threatened with dissolution. There are also concerns around prospects of accountability and justice for victims of grave human rights violations following the announcement of Mali’s withdrawal from ECOWAS and termination of MINUSMA mandate.

  The civic space in Myanmar has continued to regress due to sustained repression by the junta.  Nearly 20,000 political prisoners are currently in arbitrary detention on fabricated charges, including human rights defenders, while torture and ill-treatment is rampant. In recent months, political prisoners faced increased sentences for holding protests. The crackdown on the media by the junta has persisted, with over 60 journalists still being detained in the country, amid severe internet repression. Despite this, ASEAN has failed to address the crisis in Myanmar and more must be done to push for the release of activists, stop the flow of weapons and funds to the junta and to end impunity for serious crimes.  

  In Venezuela, in a context of a complex humanitarian emergency, several censorship mechanisms have been deployed as part of a strategy to persecute human rights defenders and limit the right to freedom of expression. We express concerns around incommunicado detention of Rocio San Miguel following the decision of the Second Court Against Terrorism and suspension of activities of the OHCHR in the country as well as the draft NGO law which, if enacted, would seriously hinder the freedom of association.

  We call on the Council to address these urgent situations and prevent further crisis. 

  We thank you.

• MALI : « La répression réelle ou perçue a créé un climat d’autocensure parmi les citoyens »

  

  CIVICUS échange avec Nafissatou Maiga, coordonnatrice de l’Association des Jeunes pour le Développement de Sangarebougou/Femmes et Initiatives pour le Développement (AJDS/FID-MALI) sur l’état de l’espace civique au Mali depuis le coup d’état militaire de 2021.

  AJDS/FID-MALI représente la convergence de deux organisations de la société civile (OSC) maliennes engagées dans la défense des droits humains et de la liberté d’expression, avec un accent particulier sur les femmes et les jeunes.

  Dans quelle mesure les libertés civiques ont-elles été respectées depuis le coup d’État militaire de 2021 ?

  Après le coup d’État de 2021, en théorie, les libertés d’association, d’expression et de réunion pacifique n’ont pas été formellement interdites par les autorités. Dans la pratique, cependant, on constate une atmosphère de crainte et de répression qui dissuade de nombreux citoyens de s’exprimer librement.

  Bien que les associations ne soient pas officiellement interdites, la peur de représailles et de répression a conduit de nombreuses personnes à hésiter à rejoindre ou à s’engager activement dans des OSC ou des groupes politiques. Les membres de ces associations peuvent craindre d’être surveillés ou ciblés par les autorités.

  Bien que la liberté d’expression soit garantie par la loi, la réalité sur le terrain est souvent très différente. Les citoyens ont souvent peur de s’exprimer ouvertement, en particulier sur les réseaux sociaux, de peur de représailles. L’application souvent abusive de la loi sur la cybercriminalité, qui criminalise certains types de discours en ligne, a contribué à renforcer cette culture de la peur.

  Bien que les manifestations et les rassemblements pacifiques ne soient pas explicitement interdits, les autorités ont souvent recours à l’état d’urgence ou d’autres prétextes pour restreindre ou dissuader certains rassemblements.

  Dans l’ensemble, bien que les libertés civiques ne soient pas officiellement restreintes, la peur des représailles et la répression réelle ou perçue ont créé un climat d’autocensure parmi les citoyens, compromettant ainsi l’exercice de ces droits fondamentaux.

   

  Quelle est la situation des médias et des journalistes ?

  La situation des médias et des journalistes s’est fortement détériorée, en particulier pour ceux qui expriment des opinions divergentes de celles des autorités. Bien qu’il n’ait pas de chiffres précis, plusieurs journalistes et chroniqueurs ont été emprisonnés pour avoir exprimé des opinions considérées comme des infractions contre l’État. Un exemple frappant est celui du célèbre chroniqueur Mohamed Youssouf Bathily, qui a été placé en détention préventive et reste incarcéré à ce jour. Cette répression contre les voix dissidentes crée un climat de peur et d’insécurité pour les journalistes indépendants et compromet sérieusement la liberté de la presse au Mali.

  Parmi les développements récents, il convient de mentionner la suspension par la Haute Autorité de la Communication de nombreux médias, en particulier des médias internationaux tels que RFI et France 24. En outre, des médias nationaux tels que Djoliba TV ont également été temporairement suspendus. En conséquence, l’accès à l’information et la diversité des opinions ont été restreintes.

  Au moment où les médias et les journalistes et ont le plus besoin de s’organiser et de travailler ensemble pour se protéger, il leur est de plus en plus difficile de le faire. Les restrictions imposées par les autorités rendent difficile la coordination. Les pressions exercées sur les voix dissidentes et les menaces de répression limitent leur capacité à se réunir et à agir collectivement pour défendre leurs droits.

  La suppression de fonds provenant de pays comme la France, destinés à soutenir la société civile, affaiblit également la capacité des médias et des journalistes à bénéficier d’un soutien financier et technique extérieur. Cela limite leur capacité à mener des actions de plaidoyer et de sensibilisation, ainsi qu’à renforcer leurs capacités pour faire face à la répression.

  L’absence de soutien international adéquat, tant financier que diplomatique, contribue à isoler davantage les médias et les journalistes maliens dans leur lutte pour la liberté de la presse et la protection des droits humains. Le manque de solidarité internationale peut également renforcer le sentiment d’impunité des autorités et aggraver la situation des médias et des journalistes.

  Que faut-il faire pour que les libertés civiques et démocratiques soient rétablies ?

  Face aux défis décrits, il est crucial que la communauté internationale intensifie ses efforts pour soutenir les médias indépendants et les journalistes maliens en difficulté, en leur fournissant du soutien financier, technique et diplomatique pour renforcer leur résilience et leur capacité à défendre la liberté de la presse et les droits humains.

  Les organisations internationales doivent également accroître leur soutien financier et technique aux OSC qui défendent la liberté d’expression et les droits humains au Mali. Ce soutien renforcera leur capacité à documenter les violations des droits humains, à fournir assistance juridique aux victimes et à plaider en faveur de réformes démocratiques.

  Pensez-vous que la transition démocratique promise aura lieu en 2024 ?

  Concernant la transition promise, les récents événements, notamment l’absence de mention de l’organisation des élections dans le projet de loi de finances et les discussions sur la sortie du Mali de la Communauté économique des États de l’Afrique de l’Ouest, l’organisation politique et économique régionale, suscitent des préoccupations quant à la volonté des autorités maliennes de respecter leurs engagements démocratiques. C’est pour cela que je suis pessimiste quant à la tenue d’élections démocratiques en 2024.

  Dans ce contexte, il est essentiel que la communauté internationale reste vigilante et continue d’exercer des pressions diplomatiques pour que les autorités maliennes respectent leur engagement à restaurer la démocratie et les droits humains.

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  L’espace civique en Mali est classé « réprimé » par leCIVICUS Monitor.

  Contactez l’AJDS/FID-MALI sur son siteFacebook et suivez@Ajdsang sur Twitter.

• MALI: ‘Real or perceived repression has created a climate of self-censorship among people’

  

  CIVICUS speaks with Nafissatou Maiga, coordinator of the Association of Young People for the Development of Sangarebougou/Women and Initiatives for Development (AJDS/FID-MALI), about the state of civic space in Mali since the 2021 military coup.

  AJDS/FID-MALI brings together two Malian civil society organisations (CSOs) committed to the defence of human rights and freedom of expression, with a specific focus on women and young people.

  To what extent have civic freedoms been respected since the 2021 military coup?

  Following the 2021 military coup, at least in theory freedoms of association, expression and peaceful assembly were not formally banned by the authorities. In practice, however, there has been an atmosphere of fear and repression that discourages many people from expressing themselves freely.

  Although associations are not officially banned, fear of reprisals and repression has led many people to hesitate over joining or becoming actively involved in CSOs or political groups. Members of these associations may fear being monitored or targeted by the authorities.

  Although freedom of expression is guaranteed by law, the reality on the ground is often very different. People are often afraid to express themselves openly, particularly on social media, for fear of reprisals. The often-abusive application of the cybercrime law, which criminalises some types of online speech, has helped to reinforce this culture of fear.

  Even though peaceful demonstrations and gatherings are not explicitly banned, the authorities often use states of emergency or other pretexts to restrict or deter gatherings.

  Overall, although civil liberties are not officially restricted, fear of reprisals and real or perceived repression have created a climate of self-censorship among people, thus compromising the exercise of these fundamental rights.

  What’s the situation for the media and journalists?

  Conditions for the media and journalists have deteriorated sharply, particularly for those who express opinions that differ from those of the authorities. Although there are no precise figures, several journalists and commentators have been imprisoned for expressing opinions considered to be offences against the state. A striking example is that of well-known commentator Mohamed Youssouf Bathily, who was placed in preventive detention and remains in prison to this day. This crackdown on dissenting voices creates a climate of fear and insecurity for independent journalists and seriously compromises press freedom.

  In a recent development, the High Authority for Communications suspended numerous media outlets, including international media such as RFI and France 24. In addition, national media such as Djoliba TV have been temporarily suspended. As a result, access to information and diversity of opinion have been restricted.

  At a time when the media and journalists most need to organise and work together to protect themselves, it is becoming increasingly difficult for them to do so. The restrictions imposed by the authorities make coordination difficult. Pressure on dissenting voices and threats of repression limit their ability to come together and act collectively to defend their rights.

  The withdrawal of funding intended to support civil society by countries such as France also weakens the ability of media and journalists to benefit from external financial and technical support. This limits their ability to carry out advocacy and awareness-raising activities, and to build their capacity to deal with repression.

  Lack of adequate international support, both financial and diplomatic, further isolates Malian media and journalists in their fight for press freedom and the protection of human rights. Lack of international solidarity can also reinforce the authorities’ sense of impunity and worsen the situation of the media and journalists.

  What needs to be done to restore civic and democratic freedoms?

  Faced with the challenges described, it is crucial that the international community step up its efforts to support Mali’s independent media and journalists in difficulty, providing them with financial, technical and diplomatic support to strengthen their resilience and ability to defend press freedoms and human rights.

  International organisations must also increase their financial and technical support to CSOs defending freedom of expression and human rights in Mali. This support will strengthen their capacity to document human rights violations, provide legal assistance to victims and advocate for democratic reforms.

  Do you think that the promised democratic transition will take place in 2024?

  As far as the promised transition is concerned, recent events, in particular the absence of any mention of the organisation of elections in the Finance Bill and discussions on Mali’s exit from the Economic Community of West African States, the regional political and economic organisation, raise concerns about the authorities’ willingness to honour their democratic commitments. This is why I am pessimistic about the possibility of democratic elections being held in 2024.

  In this context, it is essential that the international community remains vigilant and continues to exert diplomatic pressure to ensure that Malian authorities respect their commitment to restoring democracy and human rights.

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  Civic space in Mali is rated ‘repressed’ by theCIVICUS Monitor.

  Get in touch with AJDS/FID-MALI onFacebook and follow@Ajdsang on Twitter.

• Mali: Reverse ban on organisations receiving funds from France

  CIVICUS, a global alliance of civil society organisations and activists dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society throughout the world is seriously concerned over a decision by the Mali government to ban organisations receiving funds from France. The ban is a total violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of association; and has a chilling effect on civil society organisations in Mali.

  On 21 November 2022, the government of Mali took a decision to ban all organisations receiving funds, material, or technical support from France. This ban mainly affects organisations and groups providing emergency food aid, medical services, water supply and agricultural, as well as those involved in human rights and governance. The government of Mali is obliged to protect and promote the rights of its citizens including creating an enabling environment for civil society organisations to operate. All undue acts of intimidation, harassment, and restrictions on the right to freedom of association should be lifted in line with Mali’s international human rights obligations to enable civil society organisations (CSOs) to exercise their respective mandates.

  “The banning of these organisations is a new low for human rights in a country that has continuously failed to respect fundamental freedoms, including freedom of association. This is intended to restrict organisations committed to defending human rights and providing much needed livelihood. Malian authorities should immediately reverse this decision and allow organisations to continue their work uninterrupted,” said Paul Mulindwa, CIVICUS’ Advocacy and Campaigns Lead for Sub-Saharan Africa.

  Background

  Mali has been contending with violence from extremists groups since 2012, but also a serious political and humanitarian crisis. About 1,260,528 people are displaced by the conflict. Since May 2021 and a second coup d'état that consolidated their grip, coup leaders in Mali have gradually turned away from France, whose last soldier left the country in August 2022 after nine years of engagement against the extremists alongside the Malian army. The human rights situation in Mali continues to deteriorate, with extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions and other killings, injuries, and kidnappings taking place.   Human rights groups have reported an increase in enforced disappearances, illegal arrests or detentions, including prolonged detentions and violations of due process guarantees, acts of torture or other inhuman treatment, as well as numerous cases of massive and forced displacement of civilians, death threats and acts of intimidation, looting and destruction of property.

  The banning of organisation receiving funds from France came only days after the French government announced it was suspending aid to Mali. However, France still planned to provide humanitarian aid through NGOs. Since 2013, France had been providing a total of 100 million euros each year in assistance.

  The CIVICUS Monitor rates the space for civil society in Mali as repressed.

  For more information, please contact:

  Paul Mulindwa

  Advocacy and Campaigns Lead – Sub-Saharan Africa

  Email:

• Widespread arrests, attacks and legal restrictions facing LGBTQI+ activists across Africa finds new report

  

  Widespread arrests, attacks and legal restrictions facing LGBTQI+ activists across Africa finds new report

  Johannesburg | 4 July, 2023

  • Same-sex relations criminalised in at least 27 countries south of the Sahara
  • Organisations shut down and offices raided for their work on LGBTQI+ rights
  • Widespread bans on the publication of information on gay rights
  • Anti-LGBTQI+ laws and practices disproportionately impact other excluded groups including women, children and victims of abuse 

  From Uganda to Cameroon, LGBTQI+ activists face significant restrictions due to the prevailing social, cultural and legal attitudes towards homosexuality and gender identity. A new report by CIVICUS, Challenging Barriers: Investigating Civic Space Limitations on LGBTQI+ Rights in Africa, looks at some common challenges faced by activists and civil society groups in countries south of the Sahara.

  Many African countries have laws that criminalise same sex activity. The laws, often remnants of colonial era legislation, can be used to target and prosecute LGBTQI+ individuals, including activists. Penalties range from fines, imprisonment to even the death penalty in some countries. 

  Limited legal protection in many African countries offers little or no protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This lack of protection makes it difficult for activists and civil society groups to advocate for equal rights or seek justice when they face human rights abuses. The offices and activities of civil society organisations advocating for LGBTQI+ rights have been either raided or shutdown in Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda and Cameroon.

  Attacks against people who identify as LGBTQI+ are common in countries such as Benin, Cameroon and Kenya. In Cameroon since 2022 there have been over 30 recorded cases of violence and abuse against LGBTQI+ people, while in Kenya sexual minority groups face escalating homophobic attacks. In January 2023, following a series of killings in 2022, unknown assailants murdered and dumped the body of LGBTQI+ activist Edwin Chiloba. Chiloba’s death, which many linked to his sexual orientation sparked public outrage, with civil society groups and members of the public denouncing the murder and calling on the authorities to bring those involved to justice.

  “With the escalating hostility towards the LGBTQ+ community in Africa, this report sheds light on the grave reality faced by many, and compels us to challenge prejudice, and advocate for equality - especially for the most marginalised. Governments must ensure equal protection for all people in accordance with their obligations on non-discrimination under international human rights law. We implore governments to take robust measures to safeguard the rights and well-being of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” said Sylvia Mbataru, CIVICUS’ Civic Space Researcher for Eastern & Southern Africa.

  Censorship and restrictions on freedom of peaceful assembly have contributed to a deteriorating environment for activists. In several countries, the publication and dissemination of material on LGBTQI+ issues face strict editorial controls and bans. CIVICUS also documents how protests are being suppressed, including the use of various laws to deny permits for public demonstrations, specifically targeting LGBTQI gatherings.

  Despite the hostile environment in many countries, civil society groups continue to advocate for LGBTQI+ rights and score important victories. The report also documents  a number of positive developments including the decriminalization of same sex relations in Botswana and Gabon, as well as a recent Supreme Court decision in Namibia to recognise same-sex marriages concluded abroad between citizens and foreign spouses.

  The report concludes by demonstrating the impact of civic space restrictions against LGBTQI+ groups, and shows how the ramifications of these restrictions also affect other excluded groups including women and children.

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