ReliefWeb

HEADLINES

• The government of Mali established a Dialogue and Reconciliation Commission on 25 April to address security and governance in the North.

• The UN Security Council has unanimously adopted Resolution 2100, approving the establishment of MINUSMA, a 12,640 strong stabilisation force in Mali. The United Nations and humanitarian community are working to determine a path forward regarding integration and humanitarian space.

• In Gao and Timbuktu, 321 schools have re-opened, bringing over 76,600 students and 1,561 teachers back to the classrooms. This trend has been noted in urban areas and has occurred largely without the timely return of government authorities to the North.

• The UNICEF-led WASH Cluster has expressed concern that this cholera season may be worse than in years past. UNICEF continues to provide assistance including hygiene and NFI kits and infrastructure rehabilitation in Kidal, Mopti and Ségou.

• The seven children associated with armed groups who were detained on the battlefield in March have been transferred by UNICEF to a permanent centre where they are receiving assistance, including psychosocial support and vocational training.

• UNICEF is working together with the government of Mali, WFP and NGOs to launch a SMART nutrition survey in Gao starting 30 April. This is the first such survey in conflict-affected northern Mali since 2011 and will be crucial in determining needs and priorities for nutrition interventions.

• To respond to humanitarian needs in Mali, UNICEF requires US $81.9 million for response activities. So far only 25 per cent of the required funding has been received.

• France and the European Union will co-chair, in close cooperation with Mali, an international donors’ conference for the development of Mali on 15 May in Brussels.