Human Rights Watch said on Saturday it had received credible reports of serious abuses, including killings, being committed by Malian security forces against civilians around the central town of Niono, The Voice of Russia reported.
"We urge the Malian authorities, as well as the French and (West African) soldiers/authorities to do their utmost to ensure the protection of all civilians," the New York-based group said in a statement.
HRW said that Tuaregs and Arabs, ethnic groups most associated with rebels who have controlled Mali's north, were being especially targeted.
Mali's army was not immediately available for comment.
France called on Saturday for other world powers to commit money and logistical support for African armies readying their troops to join French soldiers already battling al Qaeda-linked militants in Mali.
Malian forces abusing, killing civilians - HRW
See Also:
-
Suicide bombers launch attacks on two Mali towns
-
French soldier killed in Mali
-
Government accused of causing dozens of civilian deaths in Aleppo
-
Five Malian soldiers killed in helicopter crash
-
US supports deployment of peacekeeping mission in Mali
-
EU starts training Malian army
-
Georgia ready to participate in EU operation in Mali
-
Fighting in Mali's Timbuktu as Islamists attempt to storm city
More news
Close
-
Greek Prime Minister visits Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku (PHOTO)
-
Turkish premier urges reform in top UN security body
-
UN chief urges North Korea to stop missile firing
-
Georgian President, Prime Minister of Thailand discuss bilateral relations
-
Greek Prime Minister arrives in Azerbaijan
-
North Korea fires missile into sea
prev.
next
