Blog 7: Shocking String of Rights Violations in Mali

This week my article is about Extremists in Mali and how they are paying families for their children to serve as soldiers. The Islamic extremists, some of which have ties to Al Qaeda, overthrew the president and issued harsh Islamic law across the region. The initial violations of human rights started with this overthrowing of the government where captured soldiers were executed and women were being raped. Now, the Islamic rules being pressed on civilians has mainly targeted women by having them cover themselves and restricting their work availability. There is even a ban on playing music and smoking. More and more forced marriages are taking place and the selling of wives from person to person can be seen as a way around prostitution.

Even though all of these things occurring, the U.N. Security Council requires a more detailed report on the events that are taking place. Many factors must be taken into account in order for an effective plan of action can be formed. Even though these formalities are essential, human rights groups have to push the U.N. councils to use every resource possible to speed up this planning process. During all the time that is spent preparing for a solution, children are being sold to the extremists for $600 or less. The sad truth is that many families are forced to do this because of their economic status. Women are being sold for even more than that from person to person. About a third of Northern Mali’s population has fled for their lives to nearby countries. There are so many factors of violations to human rights in this case that the initial report should have been done more thoroughly. Because of the complexity of this issue, it should be considered a priority. The numerous conflicts could result in other complications that would deem very difficult to resolve.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/10/us-mali-crisis-un-idUSBRE8991OI20121010