In 2023, the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child delivered its decision in Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA) & Association pour le Progrès et la Défense des Droits des Femmes (APDF) on behalf of AS (a minor) v. Republic of Mali. The case concerned the rape of AS, an 11-year-old girl, and the prolonged failure of the justice system to investigate, prosecute, and provide effective redress. The Committee found Mali in violation of multiple provisions of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and issued wide-ranging recommendations, including prosecution and punishment of the perpetrator, compensation and comprehensive care for AS, reforms to criminal procedure to prevent excessive delays, strengthened child-protection mechanisms, and nationwide measures to prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence.

At its 46th Ordinary Session in Maseru in December 2025, the Committee received updates from the Government of Mali. The State reported that the perpetrator, Oumar Sacko, had been prosecuted and sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment. It also highlighted broader reforms, including the adoption of a new Constitution in 2023 strengthening child-rights protections, revisions to the Penal Code in 2024, the establishment of a Special Directorate for the Protection of Children within the judiciary, and the expansion of psycho-medical and gender-based violence response centres. However, compensation has not yet been paid to AS, and the Government indicated that it has faced difficulties in establishing contact with her to facilitate reparation and support services.

IHRDA has also followed up with the victim’s representatives, who noted that implementation of related child-rights reforms—including recommendations in APDF & IHRDA (on behalf of AS) v. Mali concerning amendment of the Family Code to raise the age of marriage to 18 and ensure equal inheritance rights for girls—remains stalled. Political and administrative resistance, influenced in part by pressure from conservative religious actors, as well as ongoing national instability, continue to hinder legislative reform. IHRDA remains seized of the matter and will continue to engage with the Malian authorities and the Committee to ensure full implementation of all recommendations and effective justice, care, and redress for AS.