Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of changes to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Maliand (MINUSMA) mandate and other parameters in relation to the (a) availability of air support within MINUSMA with cooperation from authorities in Mali and (b) adequacy of human rights due diligence processes on the (i) safety of UK personnel taking part in missions within MINUSMA and (ii) efficacy in increasing security and preventing abuses of future UK participation in MINUSMA.

We dynamically review the UK's deployment to MINUSMA including on the basis of risk to personnel, continued ability to deliver against our mission, and issues such as restrictions on movement imposed by the Malian Transitional Authorities. On the basis of those assessments the UK deployment continues. Support from MINUSMA to non-UN security forces in Mali must comply with the UN's Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP). We flag consistently with the UN the importance of strict compliance and regular reporting on its implementation. UK forces are not providing support to the Malian Transitional Authorities, and any potential plans to do so would need to be HRDDP compliant.