SECTOR 1 Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 2.4 (2008 = 4.4; 2006 = 4.7) 1.4 Government makes every effort to honour regional and international instruments on freedom of expression and the media. The Government of Mali has signed, ratified and adhered to most international legal instruments. It ratified the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adhered to the Pact of the United Nations Organisation (UNO) related to civil laws and policies (adopted in 1966 by the General Assembly of the UN), and signed the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (adopted in Nairobi in June 1981 and enforced in October 21, 1986). Article 9 of the aforesaid charter stipulates that: “everyone has the right to information. Everyone has the right to express and to share his/her opinions in accordance to the provision of the law and regulations in force”. Mali also ratified the 1975 Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) treaty, in which Articles 65 and 68 are dedicated to freedom of expression. Mali adheres to various agreements and even considers the principles decreed by these settings and instruments in its legislation and regulation. In general, the country ratifies all agreements but concern was expressed that periodic reports on the human rights situation, required under these agreements, are often not completed. This lack of interest by the authorities is pathetic, as such reports could contribute to the country’s image. For example, with regard to the African Mechanism of Equality Assessment (MAEP), experts judged that Mali remains attentive in spite of some deficiencies. Mali was the ninth country to submit to MAEP processes since May 28, 2003 and high-level delegations of African experts are brought in to assess the country, including the African Bank for Development, the UNDP Regional Office for Africa and the Economic Commission of the United Nations for Africa. The AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER MALI 2010 83