The expected report on the situation in Mali should reflect the progress and barriers on women’s participation in conflict prevention, mediation, and empowerment, and the cessation of human rights abuses, including sexual and gender-based violence, all as per SCRs 2056 & 2071. Any authorization of a military force to intervene in Mali must be accompanied by the mandating of a UN human rights presence, including strong gender expertise, to independently monitor the adherence of all parties to the conflict to international humanitarian and human rights law. This mandate must include public and regular reporting to the Security Council on findings and recommendations. Any such international force or Malian security forces must be subjected to strict vetting procedures.