International Commission of Inquiry for Mali

Following the crisis that took place in Mali between 2012 and 2013, the parties to the conflict negotiated a peace agreement that was signed in Algiers in June 2015. The Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali provided, in its article 46, several measures to address reconciliation and justice including the establishment of an International Commission of Inquiry. The Secretary General of the United Nations established the International Commission of Inquiry for Mali on 19 January 2018.

Mandate

The International Commission of Inquiry for Mali shall:

  • Investigate allegations of abuses and serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including allegations of conflict-related sexual violence, committed throughout the territory of Mali between 1 January 2012 and the date of the establishment of the Commission (19 January 2018);
  • Establish the facts and circumstances concerning the commission of such abuses and violations, including those that may constitute international crimes, and identify those allegedly responsible for such abuses and violations;
  • Submit a written report on its investigation and its conclusions to the Secretary-General within a year from the date of the effective commencement of its work. In the report, the Commission will also present recommendations to the Secretary-General and all competent authorities, with a view to combating impunity in relation to the abuses and violations identified.

Composition

The International Commission of Inquiry is composed of three members with established reputations for their probity and impartiality: Ms. Lena Sundh (Sweden), Chairperson; Mr. Simon Munzu (Cameroon); and Mr. Vinod Boolell (Mauritius).

 

Ms. Lena Sundh, Chairperson

Ms. Sundh held several Ambassadorial positions and served as Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Head of Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Nepal.

Mr. Simon Munzu

Mr. Munzu has extensive human rights experience as a barrister, an academic and a United Nations official. He was acting Head of the United Nations Human Rights Field Operation in Rwanda, and Representative of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and DSRSG in Côte d’Ivoire.

Mr. Vinod Boolell

Mr. Boolell is a magistrate who has taught criminal law, human rights and constitutional law. He served as a Judicial Mentor at the OHCHR Cambodia Office and as International Judge in Kosovo.

Secretariat

The Commission is supported in its work by a secretariat composed of 14 United Nations staff members, who hold specific expertise relevant to the work of the Commission. The Secretariat of the Commission is based in Bamako and is coordinated by M. Kounkinè Augustin Somé.

Territorial jurisdiction

The Commission is investigating allegations of abuse and serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including allegations of conflict-related sexual violence, throughout Mali.

Temporal competence

The Commission will look into allegations of abuse and serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law committed between 1 January 2012 and 19 January 2018.

End of the work of the Commission

The mandate of the Commission was extended until 19 June 2020.

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