The Secretary-General is following with deep concern the unfolding developments in Mali, including the military mutiny which culminated in the arrest of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and members of his Government earlier today in Bamako.

Female genital mutilation is a gross violation of the human rights of women and girls.

Over 200 million women and girls alive today have experienced female genital mutilation in 30 countries across three continents.

The Secretary-General takes note of the decision of the Malian Government to organize local elections on 20 November 2016. He acknowledges that the Malian Constitution precludes further postponement of the polls, which have already been rescheduled three times.