MALI

CERD A/10018 (1975)

113. Members of the Committee noted that the initial report of Mali contained much useful information, which was organized on the basis of the guidelines laid down by the Committee at its first session, as well as the texts of the most important provisions of the Constitution and the penal code to which it referred. The information and texts at hand had some bearing on the provisions of most of the substantive articles of part I of the Convention, including articles 1 (2), 3, 4 (a) 5, 6 and 7. However, it was also noted that some provisions of the Constitution were cited but not quoted in the report; that the information contained in the report related to parts of the provisions of articles 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the Convention only; and that the information envisaged in the Committee’s general recommendations III (on relations with racist régimes) and IV (on the composition of the population) was not supplied.

114. It was observed that the rights enjoyed by foreign residents in the reporting State were not precisely set out in the report. Members inquired whether foreign residents enjoyed all civil rights in Mali and were subject only to a limitation of their political rights; they expressed an interest in receiving the relevant legal texts. Other members noted, however, that the report affirmed that foreign nationals found employment in the public administration of the country.

115. Much of the discussion revolved around article 55 of the penal code, which occupied a prominent place in the report. Several members commented on the wide scope of that article; but they felt that, although it was very broad, it did not satisfy all the requirements of article 4 of the Convention. It was felt that it should be supplemented by more precise legislative provisions, and that information was required about the way in which it was interpreted and applied by the public authorities and the courts. More specifically, it was asked whether it would be correct to assume that the Malian courts could invoke article 55 of the penal code to deal with the organizations referred to in article 4, paragraph (b), of the Convention, and what the connotation of the concept of “regionalist propaganda” was.

116. The representative of Mali confirmed that article 55 of the penal code could be invoked to deal with organizations such as those described in article 4, paragraph (b), of the Convention, and explained the concept of “regionalist propaganda” in Malian penal legislation. He confirmed that, “with the obvious exception of certain political posts, public administration posts were open to nationals of foreign minorities living in Mali”, and assured the Committee that his Government’s next report would contain “a full explanation of the situation of minorities in public administration”. He informed the Committee that his Government banned relations with colonial or racist régimes and that South African aircraft were not allowed to overfly Malian territory; his Government’s next report would contain the texts of the relevant laws. Finally, he assured the Committee that he would transmit to his Government all the questions that had been raised.

CERD A/33/18 (1978)

137. The third periodic report of Mail (CERD/C/47/Add.1) was considered by the Committee together with additional information given by the representative of the reporting State in his introductory statement.

138. The Committee thanked the representative of Mali for his interesting introduction and welcomed his expressed desire to deepen the dialogue between his Government and the Committee.

139. Members of the Committee noted that reference was made in the report to the provisions of the Constitution and to some legislative and judicial measures relevant to the implementation of the provisions of the convention, and expressed the hope that the text of the Constitution and other texts relating, especially, to the implementation of articles 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7, would be submitted to the Committee.

140. The connection with article 3 of the Convention, it was observed that, while the report showed that Mali vigorously condemned apartheid, it was not clear under which law charges could be brought against a citizen of Mali who, for example, established commercial relations with South Africa.

141. With regard to article 4 of the Convention, some members noted that article 6 of the Constitution provided, inter alia, that “any regionalist propaganda that may be prejudicial to the security of the State ... shall be punished under the law”. It was asked what was the exact meaning of that provision and what was the nature of regionalism in Mali. It was hoped, in this connection, that the Committee would receive precise information on the demographic composition of the population, in accordance with its General Recommendation IV. Referring to article 55 of the Malian Penal Code, members of the Committee wished to receive further information on the penalties prescribed in that article against racial and ethnic discrimination, particularly, with regard to the prohibition of organizations engaging in racial propaganda. In this connection, it was asked what was the meaning of the penalties “local banishment” listed in that article, and whether an individual belonging to an organization engaged in activities referred to in article 4 (b) of the Convention would be liable to the penalties provided for in article 55 of the Penal Code, even if he himself had not taken part in such activities. Some members expressed the opinion that article 55 of the Penal Code did not entirely cover all the provisions of article 4 of the Convention; in particular wrongful acts committed by civil servants were not mentioned in that article.

142. In connection with article 5 of the Convention, members of the Committee noted that electoral rights were accorded in Mali to nationals of other African States, and wished to know how Mali solved problems arising in that respect, in particular whether the right to vote was exercised, for example, by a Tunisian citizen of French origin resident in Mali and what was the meaning of the expression “nationals of African States ... having the status of Malians” referred to in the report. With regard to the status of workers, it was asked whether the labour code, which had been prepared by France in 1952 and from the scope of which customary services had been excluded, was still in force in Mali, and what were the rights accorded to workers, particularly in the trade union sector. Further clarification was also requested in respect of the health sector, particularly with regard to social security benefits.

143. With reference to article 6 of the Convention, information was requested, in particular, on an individual’s opportunities for recourse to the civil or criminal courts in the event of harassment by a department or official, and whether, and under what conditions, aliens could apply to the courts in Mali.

144. Members also requested more detailed information concerning the implementation of article 7 of the Convention.

145. In reply to questions raised by members of the Committee, the representative of Mali explained that, while there was no legislation in Mali concerning apartheid, there were administrative regulations prohibiting trade of South African products. He also provided information and explanations on the phenomenon of regionalism as it existed before independence, and on the notion of regions as it was intended after independence. He stressed, in this connection, that Mali’s development was based on a five-year plan, the formulation of which reflected a progressive approach towards a form of regional autonomy, but that in no case did regionalism mean racism in his country. As for ethnic groups living in Mali, there had been cases of friction in the past, but the various groups were beginning more and more to consider themselves as Malians. The representative then provided additional information concerning the status of aliens, trade union rights, labour legislation and educational programmes in his country and assured the Committee members that he would bring to his Government’s attention their questions and comments which would be taken into account in the preparation of the next periodic report.

CERD A/39/18 (1984)

62. The fourth periodic report of Mali (CERD/C/74/Add.3) was considered by the Committee after a brief introductory statement made by the representative of the reporting State.

63. The Committee commended the Malian Government for the valuable information provided in its report. It expressed regret, however, that the report was not fully in keeping with the Committee’s guidelines (CERD/C/70/Rev.1) and that some of the questions raised during the consideration of Mali’s preceding periodic report were still unanswered. It was pointed out that the Government had not responded to the Committee’s request for specific passages of the Constitution and other legal texts relating to the implementation of articles 2 to 7 of the Convention. Several members also asked whether Mali encountered any particular difficulties in submitting a periodic report every two years.

64. Clarification was requested on the way in which Mali had actually carried out its intention to implement effectively the relevant provisions of the Convention by adopting legislative measures since the 1982 elections. It was noted that, under article 64 of the Malian Constitution, international treaties seemed to supersede ordinary laws; but, since the Constitution apparently had no clear legal status in the Malian juridical system, members of the Committee asked whether international conventions and covenants on human rights could be considered juridical norms of higher authority than the ordinary laws, whether the Convention could be invoked before the courts, and whether it had the force of internal law. Additional information was requested on the relationship between the Constitution of Mali and its positive value in law vis-à-vis the executive and legislative powers.

65. With regard to article 2, members observed the multiplicity of ethnic groups coexisting in the country and requested information regarding the demographic composition of the population and the way in which the Government managed to ensure harmony among the various racial tribes and groups, including the two main racial branches - the Tuaregs and the Moors. They also requested further details of the specific means employed to solve problems arising from the arbitrary demarcation of borders during the colonial period, in particular, information on frontier agreements with Algeria, the work of the joint commission to study and define frontiers between Mali and the Niger, the solution proposed for the demarcation of the border with Mauritania, and asked what protection had been extended to existing links between the inhabitants and what measures had been adopted in connection with the movement of persons and goods between Mali and its neighbours. Members inquired whether instruction in schools was imparted in the different languages spoken by the various ethnic groups and whether that fostered divisiveness. They also wished to be provided with comparative statistics on the educational levels of the ethnic groups in the country.

66. In connection with article 3, members commended the Government for its laudable action to combat racism and racial discrimination and welcomed the fact that Mali had no trade relations with South Africa. Some members, however, requested additional information on whether diplomatic and consular relations were maintained with the racist régime of Pretoria, whether there were air links and diplomatic communications with South Africa, and whether the Government of Mali recognized the Bantustans.

67. With reference to article 4, members noted that article 55 of the Malian Penal Code prohibited racist organizations and provided for the punishment of offenders. They observed, however, that criminal law was interpreted strictly and, hence, it was necessary for an act to be covered and penalized by the law in order for it to be punishable. They pointed out that article 55 of the Penal Code did not satisfy the specific requirements of article 4 of the Convention and requested clarifications in that respect as well as specific examples of its implementation.

68. With regard to the question of regionalism mentioned in the report, some members of the Committee asked how a condemnation of regionalism would further the struggle against racial discrimination, what specifically had been done in that respect, and whether the anti-regionalist campaign had yet borne any fruit.

69. Referring to article 5, members of the Committee required further information on the measures taken to prevent economic disparities which could give rise to discrimination in economic matters and on the policy pursued by Mali with respect to the problems caused by the drought which had stricken the country. Information on the regional economic development of Mali was also requested since the country was made up of a mixture of desert, semi-desert and extremely fertile areas. Several questions were asked concerning the legislative and administrative provisions setting out the rights of workers, in particular, whether they included the right to collective bargaining and other trade-union rights. It was also asked how far the ban on the exercise of civil, political and family rights, mentioned in the report, extended in practice.

70. In connection with article 6, it was noted that although the Penal Code of Mali envisaged penalties for the violation of such human rights as the right to life or other actions involving physical injury, article 5 of the Convention included various fundamental rights, the violation of which might not always be remedied by mere recourse to a court of criminal law. In this connection, members wished to know whether a citizen of Mali could resort to other mechanisms to obtain reparation in the event that his rights were violated. It was also asked what the Government’s policy was concerning the possibility of making the declaration under article 14 of the Convention.

71. The Committee requested more information on the measures taken to implement article 7 of the Convention, particularly in the field of teaching, education, culture and information, in order to promote understanding among nations and publicize the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

72. The representative of Mali replying to some questions, stated that there was absolutely no contradiction between the Convention and the provisions of Malian internal law and that an attempt had always been made in his country’s legislation to set standards aimed at eliminating racial discrimination and considerable efforts had been made in that direction. With regard to the value in law of the preamble to the Malian Constitution, he noted that, although the preamble had no positive value in law vis-à-vis the legislative power, it had standard-setting value. In response to the comments concerning regionalism, the representative stated that colonial domination had imposed arbitrary divisions on territories occupied by various ethnic groups, with political consequences for the centralized States that had been established in the region. Mali’s ethnic diversity made it a geopolitical crossroad where the two major racial groups and their ethnic subgroups were untouched by racism in their daily lives. Moreover, those groups shared a firm commitment to wage a joint struggle against the vestiges of colonialism and subscribed to the concept of a unified State.

73. Turning to other questions, the representative said that Mali was one of the few countries which had included the protection of human rights in its Constitution and that the Penal Code also afforded such protection. In cases in which the Penal Code provided insufficient protection, recourse could always be had to the Constitution, which was the sovereign law of the land and, together with the treaties ratified by Mali and observed by the parties concerned, took precedence over any other legislation.

74. With reference to questions regarding the implementation of article 7, he stated that education in Mali was intended to inculcate the rejection of all discriminatory practices, that Mali’s legislation was aimed at protecting the rights and harmonizing the interests of the various ethnic groups in order to avoid any discrimination, and that Mali had been selected by UNESCO as a test country for a functional literacy project intended to educate Malian peasants in their mother tongue so as to enable them to take advantage of modern techniques and thus promote individual and national development.

75. In conclusion, the representative of Mali assured the Committee that the additional information which it had requested would be provided by his Government in its next periodic report.

CERD A/42/18 (1987)

114. The fifth and sixth periodic reports of Mali (CERD/C/105/Add.7 and CERD/C/130/Add.2) were considered by the Committee at its 754^th meeting on 5 March 1986 (CERD/C/SR.754).

115. In introducing the reports, the representative of Mali indicated that an attempt had been made therein to present Mali’s overall policy in the framework of the struggle against racial discrimination. In spite of the varied socio-cultural groups in the country, there was no racial discrimination. The prime objective of Malian legislation was to achieve individual equality and national unity; accordingly any instance of racism would be dealt with severely.

116. Members of the Committee praised the Government of Mali for its efforts to prevent and eliminate racial discrimination, its continuing dialogue with the Committee, its stand on apartheid and its lack of relations with South Africa. They pointed out, however, that the next report should follow more systematically the Committee’s guideline (CERD/C/70/Rev.1) and reflect to a greater extent the measures taken by the Government to implement the Convention. The report should also contain more concrete demographic data about the various ethnic groups.

117. With regard to the implementation of article 2 of the Convention, members of the Committee took note of the statement contained in both reports that regionalism seemed to be no more than a sectarian manifestation of racism and ethnocentrism. The reports were highly philosophical and analysed the problems of racial discrimination from a somewhat abstract perspective, making it difficult to assess the situation actually obtaining in the country. The members of the Committee said that a distinction should be made between such tendencies and the aspirations of the various ethnic groups to maintain their own identities. Regionalism was not necessarily a manifestation of racism. The cultural identities of different groups could not be integrated into a single national identity by force. There was a danger of glossing over the diversity of those groups. The right of each ethnic group to self-expression was an important factor in the consolidation of national unity. Members asked whether article 55 of the Malian Penal Code had ever been applied; it might be useful for the Committee to be provided with examples of regionalism which were liable to punishment under that article. In that connection, clarification was sought on “local banishment” as a punishment under that article of the Penal Code. Members wished to receive information about the policy envisaged by the Government for respecting the rights (economic, social and cultural, as well as civil and political) of the various ethnic groups and how it intended to preserve their rich cultural heritage while promoting the unity and peaceful development of the country. Additional information was requested regarding access to the various levels of education by the ethnic groups, the distribution of wealth among them, and their political influence in ruling circles. Members were also interested to know in what languages children were taught, what the official languages of Mali were, what the literacy rate was and whether there were any programmes to promote primary and adult education.

118. Reference was made to information contained in the reports concerning the frontiers of Mali and the request, already made by Committee members during consideration of a previous report, for details about border agreements with neighbouring countries that would give security to cross-border groups and help deal with the problem of transnational ethnicity was reiterated. Mali’s repudiation of apartheid, its lack of relations with South Africa and its non-recognition of “bantustans” were commended.

119. In relation to article 5 of the Convention, members of the Committee were interested to know how the single political party was constituted, how the various ethnic groups were represented in the party, government bodies and other important State institutions at the district, regional and national levels, and how the Development Plan was intended to alleviate the poverty of the more backward groups.

120. It was observed that some questions regarding articles 6 and 7 raised in connection with the fourth periodic report had not been answered.

121. In replying to questions raised and comments made by members of the Committee, the representative of Mali said that the next report of his Government would take into account all the points raised and comments put forward regarding the form and content of the report. It would also attempt to provide information on questions left unanswered. His Government would attempt to provide information regarding major ethnic groups; however, because of the mobility of the population, it would be difficult to provide a demographic breakdown.

122. All legislative provisions regarding racial discrimination and regionalism in Mali dated from the time of the country’s independence. If no new legislation on the subject had been adopted since Mali had become a party to the Convention, it was because the Malian authorities believed that existing provisions adequately satisfied the country’s obligations under that instrument.

123. Following independence, the Malian authorities had sought to emphasize national unity. At the same time, Mali was proud of its diverse ethnic heritage, which gave it its cultural richness. Given the mobility of the Malian people, however, it had not been deemed necessary to undertake any special measures to assimilate individual ethnic groups into one national identity. Both the Constitution and the country’s single party contributed greatly to the country’s national unity. The Constitution recognized that all elements of the population had inherent human rights. The national territory was divided into 7 regions, which were in turn subdivided into 32 subregions, each of which corresponded to an ethnic group within it; but those groups overlapped. In the years 1960-1965, a significant migration of Tuaregs had taken place in the north at the instigation of politically antagonistic forces, but the situation had been reversed because many Tuaregs had since returned to Mali. One problem facing the country was that much of its historical territory currently lay outside its existing borders. The frontiers of Mali were stable and the recent problem with Burkina Faso was one which would soon be solved; it had been referred to the International Court of Justice with the co-operation of the parties involved.

124. No measures had been required to deal with any cultural or linguistic claims by the country’s more than 20 ethnic groups because no such claims had ever been put forward. Mali had chosen French as its official language as a result of the cultural influence exerted during the 80-year colonial period. Since independence, Arabic had been introduced and institutions had been set up to perpetuate the Arab culture. In fact, a great many languages were spoken in Mali, many of which were spoken in neighbouring countries as well. Some of those languages were now being used as languages of instruction in schools, particularly in literacy campaigns. The term “banishment” mentioned in the report meant banishment to a zone other than the one from which a person came.

125. With regard to measures taken to implement article 5 of the Convention, the representative of Mali said that all ethnic groups were represented at the national level in the Government and in the National Assembly through democratic elections at all levels. Both white and black ethnic groups were widely represented in the Government. The different ethnic and social groups had no problem in expressing their identity at any level. As to measures taken to deal with the poverty of the most disadvantaged groups, in a country like Mali that was a difficult task. The largest ethnic groups were also the most active, enterprising, hard-working and advantaged, both in Mali and in the neighbouring countries in which they also lived. The least advantaged groups, in the north of the country, were also the least enterprising, and the authorities were trying to get them to abandon their nomadic ways and take up animal husbandry so as to ensure their survival.

CERD A/49/18 (1994)

275. At its 1028^th meeting, on 10 March 1994 (see CERD/C/SR.1028), the Committee reviewed the implementation of the Convention by Mali based on its previous report (CERD/C/130/Add.2) and the consideration thereof by the Committee (see CERD/C/SR.754). The Committee noted that no new report had been received since 1986.

276. Members of the Committee noted that the military Government, which had been in power for 23 years, had been overthrown in 1991. Since then, a multi-party political system had been established, democratic elections had been organized and a new Constitution had been adopted. The period under review had been marked by the conclusion of that process. There were thus signs of improvement in institutions, legislation and the general human rights situation.

277. Members of the Committee noted that in April 1991 a peace agreement had been concluded between the new Government and the organizations of Tuareg opposition groups. Acts of violence had nevertheless continued to take place between the Tuareg groups, which had not accepted the peace agreement, and the Malian army, and ethnic conflict had developed.

278. Members of the Committee also noted that the last two periodic reports of Mali had been incomplete, particularly with regard to the implementation of article 5 of the Convention. Members expressed concern over the situation of individuals belonging to the Tuareg community, noting that they were not represented in Parliament. In this connection, members wished to have detailed information on the extent to which Tuaregs participated in public life.

Concluding observations

279. At its 1037^th meeting, on 15 March 1994, the Committee adopted the following concluding

observations.

280. Regret is expressed that Mali has not submitted a report since 1986 and that it has not responded to the Committee's invitation to take part in its deliberations at the current session. The unwillingness of the Government of Mali to cooperate and to maintain a dialogue with the Committee makes it difficult for the latter to discharge its functions under the Convention effectively.

281. Recalling that the last report submitted by the Government of Mali in 1986 did not follow the Committee's guidelines for the preparation of reports, the State party is requested to comply fully with reporting obligations under article 9 of the Convention and to ensure that the report to be submitted to the Committee is prepared in accordance with guidelines and submitted without further delay. In that connection, it is suggested that the Government of Mali avail itself of technical assistance provided under the advisory services and technical assistance programme of the Centre for Human Rights.

282. It is recommended that the next report to be submitted include detailed information on measures taken to implement article 4 (b), measures which have been taken to protect the rights of Tuaregs under article 5 of the Convention and the difficulties encountered in implementing the provisions of the Convention.

283. The Committee draws the attention of the State party to the amendment to article 8, paragraph 6, of the Convention, which was approved by the Fourteenth Meeting of States Parties and by the General Assembly in its resolution 47/111, and encourages the State party to expedite its action formally to accept that amendment.

CERD A/57/18 (2002)

391. The Committee considered the seventh to fourteenth periodic reports of Mali, submitted in one document (CERD/C/407/Add.2), at its 1546th and 1547th meetings (CERD/C/SR/1546 and 1547) on 20 and 21 August 2002 and, at its 1551st meeting (CERD/C/SR/1551), on 23 August 2002, adopted the following concluding observations.

A. Introduction

392. The Committee welcomes the fourteenth periodic report submitted by the State party and the supplementary information provided orally by the delegation. Noting that the preceding report was considered in 1986, it is pleased to be able to resume its dialogue with the State party under the normal reporting procedure. The Committee is satisfied with the constructive replies given by the delegation to the questions asked. It also notes that the report takes account of its reporting guidelines and addresses a number of the concerns and recommendations set forth orally during the last meeting with representatives of the State party in August 2001.

B. Factors and difficulties impeding the implementation of the Convention

393. The Committee notes that Mali is currently facing serious economic problems, which, given the structure and geographical distribution of its population, represent obstacles that may hinder the State party's efforts to implement the Convention.

C. Positive aspects

394. The Committee notes that the present periodic report contains many positive aspects. In particular, it provides useful information on Mali's ethnic make-up and gives reassurances concerning solutions to the situation in the north of the country. It also contains useful information on the socio-economic context and the problems posed by poverty. The legal and institutional framework and the competent authorities in the area of human rights are, furthermore, well explained.

395. The Committee notes with satisfaction that Mali is a party to a range of international human rights instruments and has recently ratified the Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and ILO Convention No. 138 concerning the minimum age for admission to employment.

396. The Committee welcomes the establishment of a National Advisory Commission on Human Rights, a Ministry for the Advancement of Women, Children and the Family, and the office of Ombudsman. It also welcomes the original initiative of convening a "democratic discussion forum", on 10 December each year.

397. The Committee welcomes the information concerning human rights education as part of the training given to State officials, the promotion of national languages, the development of press freedom and the growing role of NGOs in Mali.

D. Concerns and recommendations

398. The Committee notes with concern the social and cultural inequalities that continue to affect rural populations. It regrets that the present report does not provide information on access to development for the various ethnic groups or on the distribution of wealth among those groups, in particular nomadic peoples.

399. The Committee would appreciate receiving information on implementation of the national poverty reduction programme launched by the Government in September 1998.

400. While noting the information provided by the State party on the ethnic composition of the population, the Committee would like fuller information on the representation of the various ethnic groups in public bodies.

401. The Committee notes that, despite the detailed information provided on the constitutional and legislative instruments prohibiting racial discrimination at the national level, the report gives no examples of their practical implementation or of the opportunity of invoking the Convention directly before the domestic courts.

402. The Committee notes with concern the lack of information concerning complaints, prosecutions or judgements relating to offences of racial discrimination. The Committee recalls that the absence of complaints or prosecutions for acts of racism in a country is not necessarily a positive sign, for no State is immune to manifestations of racism.

403. The Committee invites the State party to provide information on the status of the Convention in the legislation of Mali and on the possibility for private individuals to invoke the provisions of the Convention directly before the domestic courts. It would also like to receive information on the practical application of the instruments prohibiting racial discrimination and on the number of complaints and prosecutions relating to acts of racism.

404. With regard to the problem of double discrimination, the Committee would like to know, in light of its general recommendation XXV of 20 March 2000 and of the relevant provisions of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action of the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, what measures have been taken or are envisaged to help those at particular risk, especially children and women.

405. The Committee also invites the State party to provide fuller information in its next report on the following issues: (a) the situation of those who are particularly at risk, especially children victims of exploitation, talibé and garibou children, and women in rural areas; (b) measures taken to eradicate the practice of female genital mutilation; and (c) the impact of AIDS and other endemic diseases and the measures envisaged to control and prevent them.

406. In light of its general recommendation XXIX of 22 August 2002 and bearing in mind the explanations provided by the delegation concerning the practice of sinangouya and the relative nature of the caste system, which does not hinder social mobility in Mali, the Committee would like to receive information on the approach the State party intends to take regarding the persistence of the consequences of a traditional caste system that could give rise to descent-based discrimination.

407. It is noted that the State party has not made the declaration under article 14 of the Convention and the Committee recommends that consideration be given to doing so.

408. The Committee recommends that the State party ratify the amendments to article 8, paragraph 6, of the Convention, adopted on 15 January 1992 at the Fourteenth Meeting of States Parties to the Convention and endorsed by the General Assembly in its resolution 47/111.

409. The Committee recommends that the State party should take into account the relevant parts of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action when implementing the Convention in the domestic legal order, and that it should include information in its next periodic report on action plans or other measures taken to implement the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action at the national level.

410. The Committee suggests that the State party should consult with NGOs when preparing its periodic reports. It also recommends that the reports should be widely disseminated to the public at large as soon as they have been submitted, and that the Committee's concluding observations should be publicized in the same way.

411. The Committee recommends that the State party's fifteenth and sixteenth periodic reports be submitted in one document, due on 15 August 2005, that it should be a complete report and that it should address all the issues raised in these concluding observations.