Committee on the Rights of the Child

Ninety-sixth session

6–24 May 2024

Consideration of reports of States parties

Replies of Mali to the list of issues in relation to its combined third to fifth periodic reports * , **

[Date received: 5 March 2024]

Part I

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 2 (a) of the list of issues in relation to the combined third to fifth reports of Mali (CRC/C/MLI/Q/3-5)

1.Article 16 grants unlimited freedom to children, particularly in respect of their relationships with their parents, which does not correspond to social and cultural norms (habits and customs) in Mali.

2.For this reason, the Government of Mali is not currently considering the withdrawal of the reservation. However, violations of a child’s privacy by persons other than the child’s parents are punishable under the relevant national laws.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 2 (b) of the list of issues

3.The Government attaches particular importance to the protection and promotion of human rights, especially the rights of children.

4.However, there are currently no plans to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 2 (c) of the list of issues

5.Mali is undertaking a vast process of institutional reforms, with priority being given to legal reforms. This process will enable the country to meet its international commitments, particularly in relation to the protection and promotion of children’s rights.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 2 (d) of the list of issues

6.The Child Protection Code is in force throughout Mali. The emergence of new vulnerabilities prompted a review of the Code that began in 2012. In this connection, a bill has now been developed.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 2 (e) of the list of issues

7.A national policy for the promotion and protection of children was adopted on 16 July 2014, together with an action plan that has been implemented and is currently being evaluated.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 2 (f) of the list of issues

8.A special fund amounting to 100 billion CFA francs (CFAF) has been established for the most vulnerable families. A total of 56,000 tons of cereals and 16,000 tons of livestock feed has been distributed, free of charge, to vulnerable communities affected by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Exemption from value added tax (VAT) on electricity and water bills was granted for groups benefiting from the so-called social portions of bills for April and May 2020. For three months, the taxable base at customs checkpoints was reduced for basic necessities such as rice and milk. A total of CFAF 20 billion was allocated to the private sector guarantee fund to secure the funding requirements of small and medium-sized enterprises and industries, decentralized financial systems, industries and certain large companies affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 2 (g) of the list of issues

9.Strategic priority 5 of the Strategic Framework for Economic Recovery and Sustainable Development 2019–2023 sets out a plan to ensure universal access to drinking water, hygiene and sanitation services by 2030. The National Climate Change Policy and its action plan, adopted in 2011, include measures for adapting to and mitigating climate change while taking gender-related impacts into account.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 3 (a) of the list of issues

10.All citizens may file complaints with the National Human Rights Commission, irrespective of their age, race or social origin. The Commission has a working group that is specifically responsible for protecting the rights of vulnerable groups, including children.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 3 (b) of the list of issues

11.In Mali, civil society enjoys considerable freedom of action, provided that it complies with the strategic guidelines set out in the country’s protection policy. Recent measures taken by the Government are aimed at improving coordination and accountability for actions taken.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 3 (c) of the list of issues

12.With regard to the implementation of the Convention, the reforms made to the National Directorate for the Promotion of the Child and the Family has been effective in that dependent and decentralized services have been established (a reception and guidance office, and planning, monitoring and evaluation units).

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 4 (a) of the list of issues

13.Despite the climate of austerity relating to the security crisis, the State is continuing its efforts to provide stable budgetary support for child protection.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 4 (b) of the list of issues

14.The following means are used to collect and disaggregate data:

•The statistical newsletter on women and children

•The CPMS+ (Child Protection Information Management System)

•The information subsystem on women, children and families

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 4 (c) of the list of issues

15.The following measures have been taken:

•The institutionalization of the Children’s Parliament of Mali, pursuant to Decree no. 96-172 PM-RM of 13 June 1996

•The establishment of organizations that allow for children’s participation (children’s associations and groups)

•The translation of the Convention into the national languages

•The issuance of a simplified, child-friendly version of the Convention

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 5 (a) of the list of issues

16.As part of its efforts to eliminate all forms of discrimination against the groups mentioned, Mali has ratified or drawn up the following instruments:

•The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women

•The National Gender Policy

•The National Policy for the Promotion and Protection of Children

•The National Policy for the Promotion of the Family

•The Child Protection Code

•The Personal and Family Code

•The National Solidarity Policy

•A fund for women’s empowerment and child development

•An extensive system of care for children involving the promotion of private reception, listening, guidance and accommodation establishments for children

•Children born out of wedlock have the same rights and benefit from the same measures to protect and promote their rights as other children

•With regard to inheritance, article 771 establishes that the law does not distinguish between legitimate and natural filiation in determining which family members are entitled to inherit

•A preliminary bill is in the process of being adopted with a view to criminalizing slavery in all its forms. This mechanism will definitely put an end to the practice and protect children born to parents who have fallen victim to it

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 5 (b) of the list of issues

17.The best interests of the child are a primary consideration for the Ministry for the Advancement of Women, Children and the Family in all measures relating to children, especially children associated with armed forces or armed groups, children with special needs, migrant children, unaccompanied, separated or abandoned children and children working as beggars.

•Panels and workshops on determining the best interests of the child are organized for State and non-State actors.

•On 7 February 2013, an interministerial circular relating to the prevention, protection and return to the family of children associated with armed forces or armed groups was signed. On 1 July 2013, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Government of Mali and the United Nations system in Mali relating to the transfer of children associated with armed forces or armed groups.

•Standards of care for vulnerable children have been developed.

•A national multisectoral strategy to end child marriage has been developed and disseminated.

•All court decisions applicable to children must take their best interests into account, failing which the higher courts will overturn the decision.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 5 (c) of the list of issues

18.In Mali, children involved in terrorist offences are considered to be associated with armed forces or armed groups and are therefore treated as victims. As soon as a person is recognized as being a minor, he or she is handed over to the child protection services for follow-up until family reunification can take place.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 5 (d) of the list of issues

19.Reviewing the Personal and Family Code requires information-sharing and awareness-raising campaigns to be conducted in advance to ensure that the process is inclusive and participatory and receives public support. In July 2022, Mali adopted a national multisectoral strategy to end child marriage, accompanied by a five-year action plan. This instrument will make it possible to strengthen legislative and institutional mechanisms and increase the amount of resources allocated in order to reduce the rate of child marriage.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 5 (e) of the list of issues

20.Under Malian law, any child born to a mother or father of Malian nationality is considered to be a Malian national, irrespective of his or her place of birth or filiation. Furthermore, any child born in Mali to unknown parents acquires Malian nationality and any child born in Mali to a parent born in Mali who is originally a national of an African State is considered to be a Malian national.

21.As part of the measures taken to implement the national civil status strategy, catch-up campaigns have been organized throughout the country to register children without birth certificates.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 6 (a) of the list of issues

22.Corporal punishment is strictly forbidden in the basic education system in Mali under article 26 of Order No. 10-0688/MEALN-SG of 12 March 2010. Attention was drawn to this law in Circular Letter No. 2024-000101/MEN-SG of 24 January 2024 on the banning of corporal punishment.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 6 (b) of the list of issues

23.Offences against a child’s life, the physical, sexual or psychological abuse of a child, and the murder of a child for ritual purposes are criminal offences punishable by severe penalties as the victim’s status as a minor is considered to be an aggravating circumstance.

24.A national multisectoral strategy to end child marriage; a national holistic communication strategy on gender-based violence; the establishment of the National Coordinating Committee on Combating Trafficking in Persons and Related Practices; the provision of training to members of the National Federation of Qur’anic School Teachers’ Associations as part of efforts to combat trafficking in persons in general and talibé children in particular.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 6 (c) of the list of issues

25.The establishment of a child helpline (nearing completion); toll-free numbers (80 333 or 80 331) for receiving reports of gender-based violence; the National Programme to Combat Gender-Based Violence.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 6 (d) of the list of issues

26.A preliminary bill on preventing, responding to and punishing gender-based violence; a preliminary bill on child protection; a national multisectoral strategy to end child marriage; monitoring committees and community-based child protection committees.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 7 (a) of the list of issues

27.The Jigisemejiri (safety nets) programme for poor households is being implemented in every region in Mali. The programme involves cash transfers and a number of supporting measures.

28.As part of the fight against poverty, 15,858 income-generating activities have been funded in order to benefit vulnerable communities.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 7 (b) of the list of issues

29.The National Policy for the Promotion and Protection of Children; Decree No. 06‑006/P-RM of 11 January 2006, establishing the Reception and Family Placement Centre; Decree No. 067P-RM of 12 February 2002 setting out the conditions for the establishment and operation of private reception, listening, guidance and accommodation establishments for children; Decree No. 0450P-RM of 31 December 1999 setting out the conditions for the establishment and operation of private reception and placement establishments for children; the granting of formal status to host families (process under way); Act No. 2016-058 of 26 December 2016 on war orphans in the Republic of Mali and the Act establishing the National Office for War Orphans of 2018; a number of specialized services, including the National Directorate of Preschool and Special Education, the National Directorate of Social Development, the National Directorate of Social Protection and the Solidarity Economy and the National Centre for Orthopaedic Appliances of Mali.

30.There are a number of specialized schools, the majority of which are set up and managed by national associations with government support, including the Union Malienne des Aveugles (Malian Union of Blind Persons), the Association Malienne de Lutte contre les Déficiences Mentales chez l’Enfant (Malian Association to Prevent Mental Impairment in Children), the Association Malienne des Sourds et Sourds-Muets (Malian Association of Deaf and Deaf-Mute Persons), and the Association Malienne des personnes Handicapées Physiques (Malian Association of Persons with Disabilities).

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 7 (c) of the list of issues

31.National and international adoptions are regulated by the Personal and Family Code, which establishes that the best interests of the child must be considered in the reasoning for any decision granting an adoption.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 8 (a) of the list of issues

32.Decree No. 2021-0662/PT-RM of 23 September 2021, setting out the procedures for implementing Act No. 2018-027 of 12 June 2018 on the rights of persons with disabilities, has been adopted.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 8 (b) of the list of issues

33.The installation of access ramps in public facilities, including schools, health centres and town halls; the adaptation of public toilets in public buildings for persons with disabilities; the granting of subsidies to a number of entities for children with disabilities, including the Association Malienne de Lutte contre les Déficiences Mentales chez l’Enfant, the School for the Hard-of-Hearing, the Rehabilitation Centre for Persons with Physical Disabilities, the Association Malienne de Lutte contre les Déficiences Mentales chez l’Enfant and Housna‑Ka-So. The curricula for mainstream education include content relating to the incorporation of inclusion in basic teacher training and a national policy on inclusive education has been adopted.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 8 (c) of the list of issues

34.The communication activities carried out during the Month of Solidarity (October), more specifically during the week of persons with disabilities, led to the development and presentation of a weekly national radio programme called Tribune de la Solidarité.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 8 (d) of the list of issues

35.Decree No. 2021-PT-RM of 23 September 2021, setting out the procedures for implementing Act No. 2018-027 on the rights of persons with disabilities and Order No. 5445/MSDS-SG of 23 December 2021 on the organization and operating procedures of the National Committee for Monitoring the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 9 (a) of the list of issues

36.The policy and standards for reproductive health-care services; the Reproductive Health Strategy for Adolescents and Young Persons; the redeployment of 500 midwives to remote areas; the ongoing implementation of a strategy for integrating one-stop services in five regions; the strengthening and equipping of 35 health districts; the construction of two oxygen plants in Kita and San and the provision of oxygen extractors to 30 health districts; the ongoing strengthening of 65 health districts through the global fund; the enhancement of access to free caesarean sections (the number of kits available has risen from 13,000 to 20,000); the introduction of medically assisted reproduction services at Mali Hospital; the continuing implementation of the mobile team initiative in the humanitarian zone in Ségou; the ongoing establishment of a specialist mother-child centre in Sikasso; the ongoing redeployment to remote areas of 300 doctors and midwives who are at the end of their current period of employment; letter No. 03205-MSAS of 14 October 2019, concerning the establishment of spaces for young persons.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 9 (b) of the list of issues

37.The strengthening of logistics (motorcycles, vehicles, refrigerators, vaccine carriers); the funding of all vaccination strategies in permanent centres as well as the advanced strategy and the mobile teams; the strengthening of the vaccination strategy in permanent centres; and the availability of inputs and vaccines at all health facilities.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 9 (c) of the list of issues

38.The Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition Programme; nutrition focal points at the regional, health district and community levels; the availability of therapeutic foods in all facilities; the distribution of food to children affected by crises and disasters.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 9 (d) of the list of issues

39.The development of a policy on intravenous drug use by adolescents; the development of a policy on mental health and a corresponding strategic plan for 2024–2028; the development by the Ministry of Education of a package of resources relating to mental health and psychosocial support; capacity-building and staff training on health and well-being in schools. These resources cover reproductive health, sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS and gender-based violence.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 9 (e) of the list of issues

40.The implementation of a test-and-treat strategy for HIV; the dispensation and distribution of antiretroviral drugs at the community level; the extension of antiretroviral drug treatment to community health centres; the strengthening of psychological and social care; the strengthening of the supply chain of HIV health products; capacity-building for the staff of health facilities (monitoring/supervision and coaching, in-service training, upskilling and internships) and technical laboratory equipment for biological monitoring; the transportation of samples; the promotion of human rights in connection with access to services, combating stigmatization and discrimination, gender equality and equity etc.

41.With regard to the elimination of mother-to-child transmission, HIV testing services for pregnant women are available in 1,465 health facilities (centres for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission), which are supported by community-based actors.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 10 (a) of the list of issues

42.The policy paper relating to the second Decennial Education Programme was adopted on 5 June 2019. Since then, the Programme has been implemented and monitored by all the relevant stakeholders. Annual performance reports were produced for the four years corresponding to the initial phase of operation of the Programme.

43.The Department of Education has a long tradition of decentralizing education. A number of programmes are implemented in this area. The Education Decentralization Programme and its community-level equivalent (PRADDE-PC) is implemented with the support of Japanese partners.

44.Mali has developed a policy paper on school meals whose purpose is to guarantee school enrolment and ongoing attendance through the provision of a healthy, varied and balanced diet. The School Meals Programme is mainly funded by the national budget, with supplementary contributions made by partners such as the World Food Programme and Catholic Relief Services.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 10 (b) of the list of issues

45.The Ministry of Education has a policy paper on schooling for girls. There is also a committee of experts on gender at the department level that is working to increase enrolment, retention and completion rates for girls and boys in basic and secondary education in rural and urban areas and areas hosting persons displaced by conflict.

46.A number of partners assist the Ministry of Education in its efforts to meet the educational needs of vulnerable and/or displaced persons. Educational services are made available in communities that host internally displaced persons.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 10 (c) of the list of issues

47.Within the framework of a project to support the improvement of the outcomes and quality of education in Mali, infrastructure is being built in areas hosting persons displaced by conflict. The work carried out involves rehabilitating and/or building classrooms and their facilities. Learners are also provided with school kits. In conflict-affected areas, the armed forces and security forces have been strengthened to allow basic social services to be restored. An expert committee has been set up to monitor the implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration, pursuant to Decision No. 19-000481/MEN-SG of 22 February 2019. Regional and local committees have been established.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 10 (d) of the list of issues

48.The construction of new classrooms is helping to relieve overcrowding. Vocational training establishments are also being built. Teachers are being trained in the skills-based approach and large-group teaching in order to improve the quality of teaching and learning.

49.The purpose of the national policy paper on teaching, which is currently being finalized, is to provide the education system with well-trained and motivated teachers to implement education policies. A total of 280 trainers were recruited at the local government level between 2017 and 2019. Two vocational training centres, each with capacity for 500 learners, have been built and fitted out in the Ségou and Sikasso regions.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 10 (e) of the list of issues

50.After consultations between the Government and relevant stakeholders, it was agreed that Qur’anic schools should be attached to the Ministry of Education so that they could be brought within the remit of the national education system. This will make it possible to monitor them and prevent the abuse to which talibé children are subjected.

51.A draft decree bringing Qur’anic schools and centres within the remit of the Ministry of Education and a draft decree on the organization of teaching in renovated Qur’anic schools and centres are already in the process of being adopted.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 10 (f) of the list of issues

52.Human rights education is imparted at the primary and secondary levels through modules on citizenship, civil liberties and the rule of law. Initial and in-service teacher training programmes provide for content on cross-cutting subjects such as human rights education, democracy, the culture of peace, good governance, gender and the environment.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 10 (g) of the list of issues

53.A policy paper on early childhood has been drawn up. A technical department is responsible for implementing the policy. Educational programmes for early childhood development centres are designed to encourage young children’s development by guaranteeing their right to play and leisure. Budgets allocated to early childhood development centres include funds for purchasing games and other materials for play activities. Act No. 00-012/P-RM of 30 May 2000 on the establishment of the children’s community centre (cité des enfants) was adopted. Child-friendly spaces have been established.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 11 (a) of the list of issues

54.The joint review of the Strategic Framework for Economic Recovery and Sustainable Development and the Common Country Assistance Strategy assessed the implementation of the Framework and the Strategy, in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals, before they elapsed. The poverty rate fell by 2.3 percentage points from 44.9 per cent in 2017 to 47.2 per cent in 2015. The overall objective was to promote inclusive and sustainable development in order to reduce poverty and inequality in a united and peaceful Mali, building on existing potential and resilience with a view to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 11 (b) of the list of issues

55.The children’s judge has the power to order educational support measures whenever a child’s health, safety or morals are in danger, or when his or her education is seriously compromised (Child Protection Code, art. 86).

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 11 (c) of the list of issues

56.The laws and mechanisms that protect children against acts of sexual exploitation and trafficking include the National Committee for Monitoring and Coordinating the Measures Taken by the African Union to End Child Marriage in Mali; Act No. 2012-002 of 23 January 2012 establishing the support fund for women’s empowerment and child development; the National Action Committee on the Eradication of Practices Harmful to Women’s and Children’s Health; the Interministerial Committee for the Advancement of Women, Children and the Family; the National Action Committee on the Eradication of Practices Harmful to Women’s and Children’s Health; the Committee for Coordination and Monitoring of the Emergency National Plan of Action against Cross-border Trafficking in Children; the National Steering Committee for Follow-up on the National Programme to Combat Child Labour; the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography of 2000; the Multilateral Cooperation Agreement to Combat Child Trafficking in West Africa; the Criminal Code; the Child Protection Ordinance; and the Act of 2012 on combating trafficking in persons and related practices. At the highest level, the fight against trafficking in persons is steered by the National Coordinating Committee on Combating Trafficking in Persons and Related Practices. The Committee has a four-pronged strategy based on prevention, protection, prosecution and partnership. It has an action plan (2024–2028) and a budget of CFAF 2,982,650,000. In addition, a brigade has been set up to combat migrant smuggling and trafficking in persons.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 11 (d) of the list of issues

57.The establishment of learning spaces in sites for displaced persons (Ségou, Mopti, Bamako and Gao); access to birth certificates; the enrolment of school-age children in State schools in their local area; the provision of medical care through the Medical Assistance System; educational support; the issuance of civil status documents; the establishment of learning spaces at sites for displaced persons (Ségou, Mopti, Bamako and Gao).

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 12 (a) of the list of issues

58.The establishment of trial courts in place of district courts with extended jurisdiction will entail a number of benefits, including for children in conflict with the law, as the functions of prosecution, investigation and judgment are effectively separated. This guarantees the proper administration of justice.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 12 (b) of the list of issues

59.Capacity-building sessions are organized to ensure that stakeholders receive ongoing training and specific modules are planned for the initial training of stakeholders in the justice system.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 12 (c) of the list of issues

60.Reforms are currently being undertaken with a view to setting up a central department for juvenile justice with regional and subregional offices. These reforms will have an impact on institutions that care for children in conflict with the law.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 12 (d) of the list of issues

61.Child victims and/or witnesses of crime benefit from specific legal protection to ensure their safety, well-being and effective participation in legal proceedings. This protection includes measures such as special interviews tailored to the age and level of development of the child concerned. The interviews are conducted by professionals trained to gather information in a sensitive, non-traumatizing way.

62.Special arrangements are made in courtrooms to create a reassuring environment for children (in camera proceedings) or separate courtrooms are used. Children also benefit from restrictions on the disclosure of their identity in order to preserve their privacy and safety.

63.Psychological support is available to help children to cope with the trauma associated with their experiences. Confidentiality is guaranteed to protect sensitive information and preserve children’s integrity.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 12 (e) of the list of issues

64.Children incarcerated with their parents receive food, health care, social and educational support and clothing. They are returned to their families or placed in a reception and accommodation centre.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 13 (a) of the list of issues

65.The establishment of a national coordination body responsible for managing sites for internally displaced persons; the establishment of regional and local crisis committees; the establishment of residential sites for displaced persons (Gao), with other sites in the process of being established (Ménaka, Timbuktu, Mopti); the organization of humanitarian convoys (delivery of food and non-food provisions and pharmaceutical products); the establishment of emergency stocks by the State.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 13 (b) of the list of issues

66.The Child Protection Code; Special Act No. 01-079AN-RM of 24 August on the criminal responsibility of minors and the establishment of juvenile courts, amended by Act No. 07-016AN-RM of 26 February 2007; the National Policy for the Promotion and Protection of Children; the signing of the interministerial circular on preventing the recruitment of children into the armed forces or armed groups, providing them with protection and bringing them back to their families of 7 February 2013; the memorandum of understanding between the Government of Mali and the United Nations Office in Mali pertaining to children associated with the armed forces or armed groups; the minimum standards for the protection of children in humanitarian responses, tailored for the context of Mali (2015); standard operating procedures and guidelines for managing protection in Mali; the establishment of dialogues with armed groups in connection with preventive measures and the removal of children; the development of an action plan with armed groups to prevent the recruitment of children through awareness-raising, advocacy and negotiation; the implementation of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process to remove children from armed groups; the launch of a reintegration programme for children removed from armed groups; capacity-building for leaders of armed groups, civil society and communities to prevent the recruitment and use of children; the establishment of community‑level child protection networks in villages and settlements; the development of a manual and guide on identifying, disarming and reintegrating children associated with armed groups; the development of a soldier’s handbook on the regulations governing the rights and protection of children during armed conflicts; the drafting of a joint communiqué between the United Nations and the Government of Mali on preventing and combating conflict-related sexual violence.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 13 (c) of the list of issues

67.Mali has endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration. A committee of experts has been set up to monitor the implementation of the Declaration. The National Directorate of Basic Education works on a day-to-day basis to ensure that schools are safe places to learn. In order to manage security matters, a risk and disaster preparedness and management mechanism has been set up with the support of a number of partners within the education cluster. Communities are involved in this process.

68.With regard to the protection of hospitals and schools, the Government of Mali is committed to maintaining basic social services in the event that a conflict breaks out. An interministerial committee is working to develop a bill on safety in schools.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 13 (d) of the list of issues

69.Child victims of armed groups benefit from support measures (income-generating activities, or a return to school) after being reunited with their families. One-stop centres are set up to care for child victims of sexual and gender-based violence and children born of rape.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 13 (e) of the list of issues

70.Human rights violations in armed conflicts are investigated as a matter of course.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 13 (f) of the list of issues

71.Involving children in armed forces or groups, as well as other acts giving rise to any of the six grave violations of children’s rights in times of conflict, constitute war crimes and are subject to severe penalties under the Criminal Code.

72.The Code has been reviewed with a view to developing a preliminary bill on child protection to take account of new offences, such as the recruitment and use of children and other serious violations committed against children.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 13 (g) of the list of issues

73.The sexual exploitation and abuse of children are punishable offences in Mali.

74.Where prevention is concerned, Malian police and military personnel assigned to peacekeeping operations are trained in international humanitarian law and human rights before they are deployed.

75.Headquarters agreements between the United Nations and States generally include measures to prevent and combat sexual exploitation and abuse.

76.The United Nations has adopted a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse by peacekeepers.

77.Malian personnel assigned to peacekeeping operations have so far enjoyed a reputation for good conduct. The Government attaches the utmost importance to reported and proven cases of abuse, the perpetrators of which will certainly be prosecuted.

Part II

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 14 (a) of the list of issues

78.Act No. 2011-087 of 30 December 2011 on the Personal and Family Code; Act No. 2012-023 of 12 July 2012 on combating trafficking in persons and related practices; Act No. 2012-002 of 23 January 2012 on the establishment of a fund for women’s empowerment and child development; Act No. 10-050 of 23 December 2010 on the establishment of the National Unit to Combat Child Labour; Act 2016-058 of 27 December on war orphans in the Republic of Mali; Decree No. 06-036/P-RM of 31 January 2007 on procedures for applying the penalty of community service; Act No. 2019-015 of 3 July 2019 on the establishment of the Centre for Women, Children and the Family; Decree No. 10-474/P-RM of 20 September 2010 on the establishment of the National Steering Committee; Decision No. 2016‑0096/MJDH-SG of 12 April 2016 on the establishment of the National Coordinating Body for Juvenile Justice; the bill on child protection (currently in the process of being adopted).

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 14 (b) of the list of issues

79.The reform of the National Directorate for the Advancement of Children and Families in 2009, which led to the establishment of a reception and guidance office and a planning, monitoring and evaluation unit; the establishment of dependent and decentralized departments; the establishment of the fund for women’s empowerment and child development in 2012; Act No. 2019-014/P-RM of 3 July 2019 on the establishment of the National Programme to Combat Gender-Based Violence; the establishment of the Centre for Women, Children and the Family in 2019; the establishment of an institutional framework for turning all health facilities (community health centres, referral health centres, clinics, hospitals and dispensaries in garrisons) into birth registration centres.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 14 (c) of the list of issues

80.Policies, programmes and action plans:

•National policies on the promotion of children and the family, and the associated five-year action plan

•The National Gender Policy; the National Multisectoral Strategy to End Child Marriage, developed in 2019; the National Programme to Combat Gender-Based Violence of 3 July 2019

•Policies and programmes have a national scope and are funded by the State, local authorities and technical and financial partners

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 14 (d) of the list of issues

81.Mali is already a party to almost all the international human rights instruments (see the above-mentioned list of treaties ratified by the Government). The Government’s commitment to human rights has remained constant despite the country’s various crises.

Part III

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 15 of the list of issues

Information on budgetary allocations to children and social sectors

General administration, coordination and control
Description	Disbursement credits 2021	Disbursement credits 2022	Disbursement credits 2023
National Unit to Combat Child Labour	67 788	72 788	71 788
Office, equipment for children’s training centre	168 096	168 096	168 096
Pilot programme to support children in need of education	318 096	318 096	318 096
Department of Finance and Health-Care Equipment	28 500	28 500	28 500
Technical unit of the fund for women’s empowerment and child development	28 957	28 957	28 957
Department of Finance and Equipment (advancement of women and children)	407 171	391 017	439 187
Training and education for women	130 072	130 072	130 072
National Directorate for the Promotion of the Child and the Family	170 158	219 530	234 851
Combating the abandonment of children	355 857	405 229	470 550
Support fund for women’s empowerment and child development	650 000	650 000	650 000
Participation of children	536 659	488 006	435 424
Adjudication of juvenile cases	240 230	464 641	428 547
Basic education	21 291	21 291	21 291
Advancement of women	737 580	799 858	975 784
Overall total	3 860 455	4 186 081	4 401 143

NB : The figures are expressed in thousands of francs.

Table showing the proportion of the State budget devoted to children

Description	2021	2022	2023
Amount	Proportion (%)	Amount	Proportion (%)	Amount	Proportion (%)
Total State budget	2 808 088 000 000	100	2 748 285 000 000	100	2 199 908 000 000	100
Total budget allocated to children	3 860 455 000	0.14	4 186 081 000	0.15	4 401 143 000	0.20

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 16 (a) of the list of issues

82.In 2020, 658 victims of child marriage received support (31 boys and 627 girls).

83.In 2021, 842 victims of child marriage (mostly girls) received support.

84.In 2022, 234 victims of child marriage received support (7 boys and 227 girls).

85.According to the 2018 Demographic and Health Survey for Mali, 73 per cent of girls aged 14 years or under have undergone female genital mutilation.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 16 (b) of the list of issues

86.Considerable efforts have been made, with the technical and financial support of partners, to develop harmonized guidelines and tools for managing child protection cases, paving the way for a digitized information system for child protection and high-quality case monitoring and referrals. In that connection, technical documents for the deployment of CPIMS+ have been developed and two standardized training modules on managing child protection cases in Mali have been authorized. A total of 27 child protection stakeholders, consisting of focal points and deputies, took part in a workshop to develop and authorize training modules on the management of child protection cases.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 16 (c) of the list of issues

87.The infant and child mortality rate is 54 per 1,000 (source: Demographic and Health Survey, 2018).

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 16 (d) of the list of issues

88.The vaccination rate is 45 per cent; the malnutrition rate is 19 per cent; the malaria rate is 19 per cent (source: Demographic and Health Survey, 2018).

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 16 (e) of the list of issues

89.Children born to mothers under the age of 18 years; women aged between 15 and 19 years who are mothers or pregnant: 36 per cent.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 16 (f) of the list of issues

90.In 2022, 18,273 abortions were carried out in centres. In 2023, 21,348 abortions were carried out.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 16 (g) of the list of issues

91.Data on drug users are not broken down to show the proportion who are children. This shortcoming in our data collection system will have to be rectified in the near future.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 16 (h) of the list of issues

92.All the basic social security guarantees established at the national level, which provide protection with a view to preventing vulnerability and social exclusion, make up the social protection floor in Mali. This is a minimum package of services that is intended to protect and support the most vulnerable households and individuals in order to meet the priority needs identified in the profile of risks and vulnerabilities. Social benefits for disadvantaged and vulnerable children are provided through contributory and non-contributory schemes, taking social inequalities into account. Where contributory schemes are concerned, health care, family allowances, disability benefits and survivors’ benefits, among others, are granted to members and/or their dependants by social security institutions to support children whose parents are in salaried employment. Non-contributory schemes (for poor and/or destitute people) mainly take the form of social assistance.

93.There is also a policy to subsidize fuel, electricity, water, agricultural inputs, food, livestock feed, free schooling and health care, the distribution of school kits, nutritional support for children and cash transfers, among other things (National Social Protection Policy, 2016).

94.Social security coverage is extended through: (i) the implementation of universal health coverage (the universal health insurance scheme, the Medical Assistance System, mutual health insurance schemes); (ii) greater promotion of social transfers (cash transfers, vouchers, support for productive activities, construction/rehabilitation of livelihoods) for vulnerable populations; (iii) the extension of social protection to agricultural workers and workers in the informal sector; and (iv) the development of mechanisms to strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of social protection initiatives for the benefit of communities, particularly the most vulnerable groups.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 16 (i) of the list of issues

95.There are no disaggregated data for children. However, 79.7 per cent of households had access to drinking water in 2020 (Strategic Framework for Economic Recovery, 2020–2023 report).

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 16 (j) of the list of issues

96.In 2020, Mali released the results of a study on child labour carried out by the National Institute of Statistics using a modular cluster survey. The main results of the modular cluster survey show that the situation of child workers in Mali has improved: between 2005 and 2020, the proportion of children who were working fell by 33.8 percentage points (68.3 per cent in 2005 as opposed to 35 per cent in 2020), i.e., the number of child workers fell by 518,246 in absolute terms.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 16 (k) of the list of issues

97.With regard to the prevention of, and responses to, violence and exploitation, the following results should be noted:

•A total of 1,318/819 unaccompanied and separated children aged between 13 and 17 years (32.32 per cent girls) received temporary care and/or individual follow-up, including 13 children associated with armed forces or armed groups (all boys), who were received and cared for at the Bamako Transit and Guidance Centre.

•A total of 28,452/123,288 children aged between 13 and 18 years in humanitarian emergencies, 47 per cent of whom were girls, received psychosocial support, including in child-friendly spaces and/or other safe spaces.

•A total of 352/574 children (17.04 per cent girls) released from armed groups have benefited from temporary care and/or individual follow-up, including 13 children associated with armed forces or armed groups (all boys), who were received and cared for at the Bamako Transit and Guidance Centre. A total of 719 survivors of gender based violence (512 girls, 154 boys and 53 women) received psychosocial and/or medical care in community-based health-care units such as community health centres and referral health centres.

•A total of 115,872/86,436 adolescent girls aged between 13 and 18 years have benefited from prevention and support measures to combat child marriage in schools, adolescent groups/forums for girls and women, and health facilities.

Year	Age	Issue	Disaggregated number
2021	11 to 18 years	Sexual exploitation	Total = 94
Exploitation for the purposes of forced labour	girls = 76; boys = 18
2022	3 to 18 years	Sexual exploitation	Total = 97
Exploitation for the purposes of forced labour	girls = 41; boys = 56
2023	1 month to 18 years	Sexual exploitation	Total = 133
Exploitation for the purposes of forced labour	girls = 50; boys = 83

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 16 (l) of the list of issues

Situation of refugee children, database of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, as at 27 February 2024 (data already synchronized)

Legal status	Region	Female	Total No . of females	Male	Total No . of males	Overall total
4 years or under	5 to 11 years	12 to 17 years	4 years or under	5 to 11 years	12 to 17 years
Asylum-seekers	Bamako	10	22	12	44	10	27	25	62	106
Koulikoro		3		3	2	2	2	6	9
Total No . of asylum-seekers	10	25	12	47	12	29	27	68	115
Refugees	Bamako	48	156	158	362	64	161	151	376	738
Gao	425	2 179	1 054	3 658	438	2 020	979	3 437	7 095
Kayes	342	1 741	1 447	3 530	312	1 858	1 399	3 569	7 099
Koulikoro	10	19	14	43	6	19	26	51	94
Ménaka	799	2 516	1 195	4 510	810	2 656	1 118	4 584	9 094
Mopti	965	1 307	416	2 688	966	1 178	358	2 502	5 190
Ségou	187	236	67	490	200	290	122	612	1 102
Sikasso	6	15	12	33	7	12	13	32	65
Timbuktu	524	1 393	751	2 668	505	1 587	810	2 902	5 570
Total No . of refugees	3 306	9 562	5 114	17 982	3 308	9 781	4 976	18 065	36 047
Overall total	3 316	9 587	5 126	18 029	3 320	9 810	5 003	18 133	36 162

98.Displaced children: 220,920, or 57 per cent of internally displaced persons (source: Displacement Tracking Matrix, September 2023).

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 16 (m) of the list of issues

99.There has been no nationwide study of this problem. However, the number of children in a street situation in Bamako alone is estimated to be greater than 10,000 (SAMU Social, emergency social services).

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 16 (n) of the list of issues

100.The number of children used by armed groups in 2020, 2021 and 2022 was 144, 122 and 14, respectively.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 16 (o) of the list of issues

101.Children incarcerated with their parents benefit from:

•Food, health care and clothing

•Social and educational support

•Return to their families or placement in a reception and accommodation centre

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 17 (a) of the list of issues

102.In 2021, 844 children separated from their parents, 26 per cent (218) of whom were girls and 74 per cent (626) boys, benefited from temporary care (care provided by their extended family or another family in the community, a reception centre, placement with a foster family, a residential placement, supervised independent housing, temporary shelters or other forms of temporary care and accommodation).

103.In 2022, 544 children were identified as being separated from their parents. Of these, 542 (308 girls and 334 boys) received temporary care in foster families or temporary care centres and/or individual follow-up, meaning that 99 per cent of children received care.

104.In 2023, the percentage of children separated from their parents who received care was 83 per cent, i.e. 2,570 children out of a planned 3,097. Girls accounted for 24 per cent of the total number of children and boys for 59 per cent.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 17 (b) of the list of issues

105.The following figures are for orphans placed in institutions who have two deceased parents or one parent who is deceased or missing:

•In 2020: 98 (48 boys and 48 girls)

•In 2021: 212 (106 boys and 106 girls)

•In 2022: 222 (108 boys and 114 girls)

•In 2023: 84 (44 boys and 40 girls)

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 17 (c) of the list of issues

106.The situation of children placed in institutions is as follows:

•In 2020:

•Children under 5 years: 498 (249 girls and 249 boys)

•Children over 5 years: 183 (181 girls and 2 boys)

•In 2021:

•Children under 5 years: 961 (357 girls and 604 boys)

•Children over 5 years: 534 (192 girls and 342 boys)

•In 2022:

•Children under 5 years: 1,565 (961 girls and 604 boys)

•Children over 5 years: 1,066 (595 girls and 471 boys)

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 17 (d) of the list of issues

107.The situation of adopted children is as follows:

•In 2020: 196 children benefited from adoption for protection and 51 children benefited from adoption for filiation, giving a total of 247 children

•In 2021: 187 children benefited from adoption for protection (95 girls and 92 boys) and 40 children (22 boys and 18 girls) benefited from adoption for filiation, giving an overall total of 227 children

•In 2022: 297 children benefited from adoption for protection (162 girls and 135 boys) and 52 children (31 boys and 21 girls) benefited from adoption for filiation, giving an overall total of 349 children

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 18 (a) of the list of issues

108.In Mali, children with disabilities who live with their families are generally not registered in a database.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 18 (b) of the list of issues

109.The situation of children living in institutions is as follows:

•In 2020, out of a total of 943 children placed in an institution, 60 (32 boys and 28 girls) had a disability. The proportion of children who have a disability is 6.36 per cent (2.97 per cent girls and 3.39 per cent boys).

•In 2021, 6 per cent of the 914 children in institutions had a disability, i.e., 57 children (28 boys and 29 girls)

•In 2022, 7.44 per cent of the 914 children in institutions had a disability, i.e., 68 children (36 boys and 32 girls).

•In 2023, 69 out of a total of 455 children in institutions had a disability, i.e. 15 per cent (38 boys (8 per cent) and 31 girls (6.81 per cent))

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 18 (c) of the list of issues

110.See the table annexed to this document, which can be consulted on the Committee’s web page.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 18 (d) of the list of issues

111.See the table annexed to this document, which can be consulted on the Committee’s web page.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 18 (e) of the list of issues

112.See the table annexed to this document, which can be consulted on the Committee’s web page.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 18 (f) of the list of issues

113.See the table annexed to this document, which can be consulted on the Committee’s web page.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 18 (g) of the list of issues

114.No statistical data are available. This shortcoming in our data-collection system will have to be rectified in the near future.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 19 (a) of the list of issues

115.For the number of children in conflict with the law who have been arrested, see the answer given in the first column (c1).

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 19 (b) of the list of issues

116.For the number of children in conflict with the law who have been referred to diversion programmes, see the answer given in the seventh column (c7).

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 19 (c) of the list of issues

117.For the number of children in conflict with the law who have been placed in pretrial detention, see the answer given in the fourth column (c4).

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 19 (d) of the list of issues

118.For the number of children in conflict with the law who have been detained with adults, see the answer given in the sixth column (c6).

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 19 (e) of the list of issues

119.For children in conflict with the law who have been convicted and are serving a custodial sentence, with the length of the sentence being specified in each case, see the answer given in the fifth column (c5).

Year	Total c1	Boys c2	Girls c3	Pretrial detention c4	Convicted c5	Detained with adults c6	Diversion programme c7
2021	579	533	46	557	22	31	0
2022	454	420	34	423	31	32	0
2023	498	462	36	483	15	58	0

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 19 (f) of the list of issues

120.There are no juvenile prisoners convicted of terrorism in Mali.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 20 of the list of issues

121.Data collection and the participation of children promote good decision-making in the interests of children’s rights. The Ministry for the Advancement of Women, Children and the Family bases all its planning for the promotion and respect of children’s rights on Sustainable Development Goal 5.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 21 of the list of issues

122.The data in the report that has been superseded by more recent data or affected by new developments.

123.The data in this report are recent.

Reply to the question raised in paragraph 22 of the list of issues

124.In addition, the State party may list areas affecting children that it considers to be of priority with regard to the implementation of the Convention.

125.In implementing the Convention, the State of Mali prioritizes the four main areas of children’s rights: survival, development, protection and participation.