In its discussions of the situation in Mali, particularly regarding a possible UN peacekeeping force in the country, the Council should ensure that any such plans include support for women’s full participation in conflict prevention and resolution, and the cessation of human rights abuses, including sexual and gender-based violence. The Council should ensure expedited deployment of UN civilian personnel for UNOM, particularly human rights monitors and gender experts. Any UN presence in Mali must be equipped with all necessary resources, including strong gender expertise, to independently monitor the adherence of all parties to the conflict to international humanitarian and human rights law, and must submit public and regular reports to the Council on its findings. The Security Council should clarify how the transition of forces will include implementation of the UN’s due diligence policy regarding vetting, inter alia mechanisms to screen out, and suspend or remove, from all security forces individuals reasonably suspected of having committed crimes under international law or other human rights abuses. Concerted efforts must be made to ensure comprehensive protection of civilians, in particular women. An urgent upscale is still needed in specialized gender-based violence (GBV) service delivery with humanitarian organizations leading the GBV response, and continuous support from the GBV Sub-Cluster leadership.