In its discussion of the situation in Mali, the Council should support women’s full participation in conflict prevention and resolution, and the cessation of human rights abuses, including sexual and gender-based violence. 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. Given the ongoing French offensive in northern Mali, as well as the fast-tracking of the African-led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA) deployment, the Security Council should clarify how the safeguards outlined in SCR 2085(2012) will be implemented, and should call for an expedited deployment of UN civilian personnel for UNOM, particularly human rights monitors and gender experts. Concerted efforts must be made to ensure comprehensive protection of civilians, in particular women. An urgent upscale is 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.