Five months after the launch of the French and Malian military offensive to recover the north of the country occupied by armed groups, human rights violations committed by the Malian security forces continue to be reported. Alleged violations include extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, and torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment whilst in detention. Amnesty International is also very concerned by reports of unlawful killings, sexual violence and abductions by armed groups as well as by their use of child soldiers.