MINUSMA has received worrying reports of serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in the village of Tin-Hamma in the Gao region, including the execution yesterday of a number of civilians, which may include a person working for an international NGO.

These violations follow clashes between members of the Plateform and the Coordination des Mouvements de l’Azawad (CMA) on 20 May.

In line with its mandate, MINUSMA is deploying an investigation team to the site today to rapidly establish the facts.

While waiting for the results of this investigation, MINUSMA stresses that if the reports prove to be correct, these acts constitute serious crimes, and that those responsible for them will have to be brought to justice.

MINUSMA expresses its profound concern at the alarming escalation of armed clashes in several locations in the north of Mali and once again condemns the flagrant and continuing violations of the ceasefire, which endanger the peace process, and of which civilian populations are the main victims.

These clashes continue to entail a significant displacement of civilian populations, aggravating the humanitarian situation in Mali.

MINUSMA also deplores that this violence greatly reduces the already limited humanitarian space and negatively affects access and the distribution of humanitarian aid intended for vulnerable populations, and particularly women and children, who are in urgent need of assistance.

MINUSMA reminds the parties that, pursuant to Security Council Resolution 2164, they have to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law: to respect and protect humanitarian personnel, facilities and relief consignments, and to facilitate the unimpeded access of humanitarian actors for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to all people in need, while respecting the United Nations humanitarian guiding principles and applicable international law.