UN expert urges Mali to harmonize laws with child protection standards

Ms. Gamba’s call came after her first mission to Mali, during which she met the country’s Prime Minister, other senior politicians, and members of civil society.

Expressing concern for the "deteriorating security situation" in Mali, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Virginia Gamba, released a statement on Monday calling for an end to "grave violations against children", in tandem with a return to peace and stability.

Ms. Gamba's call came after her first mission to Mali, during which she met the country's Prime Minister, other senior politicians, and members of civil society.

The importance of education was highlighted by the senior UN official, who noted that 900 schools were closed, as of May. She also called for stronger child protection legislation that includes provisions for children affected by conflict and emphasized that each child should be given the right to identity through birth registration.

Ms. Gamba urged the Government to harmonize national laws with child protection standards, and discussed the creation of a national prevention plan with the Prime Minister; she also suggested that Mali could lead a regional prevention plan to prevent violations against children in the whole region.