Content_paragraphs:  The reporting period was characterized by a significant deterioration in the 
  
  human rights situation, mainly owing to an increase in violence against civilians, 
  
  including in some areas in the south. Attacks by violent extremist groups continued 
  
  to account for numerous abuses, including killings, serious bodily injuries and forced 
  
  civilian displacements Violations in the context of security or counter-terrorism 
  
  operations also persisted, while a substantial surge in abductions, largely perpetrated 
  
  by community-based armed groups and militias in central Mali, severely undermined 
  
  the enjoyment of fundamental human rights and freedoms in the affected areas. The 
  
  situation of women and girls remained dire in parts of Mali, especially given that they 
  
  were the primary target of conflict-related sexual violence and were subjected to 
  
  various human rights abuses by armed groups.