Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 128: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he and his EU colleagues have been made aware of large-scale human rights abuses in the wake of various conflict points globally; the action taken or likely to be taken to address such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9980/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Human rights concerns remain central to our foreign policy. Together with our EU partners, Ireland closely monitors the human rights situations in many countries, including post-conflict countries, throughout the world. We do this on the basis of information obtained from a variety of sources including both official channels and non-governmental/civil society organisations. Where and when the situation warrants, we make known our concerns about human rights violations to the Governments in question. We do this bilaterally, through the EU, or through action at the UN General Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council.

Ireland supports the use of the full UN human rights machinery in responding to human rights abuses, including supporting the role of UN Human Rights Treaty Monitoring Bodies, Special Procedures and Mandate Holders and the convening, where appropriate, of Special Sessions of the UN Human Rights Council. At the UN, the EU regularly makes statements on the human rights situations in a number of countries from all regions. Ireland is fully associated with these statements.

The EU has adopted Common Positions on certain countries, which attach priority to promoting human rights, democracy, good governance and the rule of law. In addition, the EU conducts human rights dialogues with a number of countries and also raises human rights concerns as part of political dialogue meetings.

Ireland has been a consistent and strong supporter of the International Criminal Court, recognising it as an essential means of combating impunity for the most serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law. Active participation in multilateral organisations including the EU, UN and the Council of Europe provides an opportunity for Ireland to voice its concerns regarding human rights abuses. Through these organisations, international pressure can be brought to bear on those responsible for violation of human rights. Ireland will continue to use these mechanisms as a means of highlighting violations of human rights and furthering their protection.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 129: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of countries in which the death penalty has not been yet abolished; the executions recorded on an annual basis through the enforcement of the death penalty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9981/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Ireland is adamantly opposed to the use of the death penalty in all circumstances and accordingly seeks its universal abolition. We continue to work in close cooperation with our EU partners in accordance with the common EU guidelines on the issue of the death penalty, to seek its universal abolition. The EU guidelines, adopted in 1998, set out clearly the common EU position on the use of the death penalty. These guidelines seek, in the first instance, the universal abolition of the death penalty and state that where the death penalty still exists, the EU will continue to press for its use to be progressively restricted. The EU utilises every possible occasion to voice its concerns regarding the use of the death penalty and intervenes in cases which fall under the criteria set out in the EU Guidelines on the Death Penalty. Ireland strongly supports these efforts.

According to Amnesty International in its report "Death Sentences and Executions 2010 ", 58 countries retain the death penalty for ordinary crimes. 96 countries do not provide for the death penalty for any crime and 9 countries have laws that provide for the death penalty only for exceptional crimes under military law or crimes committed in exceptional circumstances. 34 countries retain the death sentence but can be considered as having abolished the death sentence in practice.

Unfortunately it is not possible to give an exact number of executions carried out for, as the report of the UN Secretary General on the "Moratorium on the use of the death penalty "(A/65/280 of 10 August 2010) points out, "that is very difficult to establish the number of cases in which the death penalty has been imposed and subsequently implemented due to their fact that several States keep figures on executions secret". Amnesty International, in the report already cited, state that at least 527 executions were carried out in 2010.

The UN General Assembly passed a Resolution, 65/206, in 2010 which called on States to establish a moratorium on executions with a view to abolishing the death penalty. The Resolution was cosponsored by the EU member States and was adopted by 109 votes to 41 against, with 35 abstentions while 7 States were not present. The issue will be considered again at the General Assembly later this year. The abolition of the death penalty is a political priority for Ireland and our EU partners. We will continue to monitor developments regarding the death penalty and to work for its worldwide abolition.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 130: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he and his EU colleagues have focused on the ongoing issues of war, famine and starvation, genocide and ethnic cleansing at the various known flash points throughout the globe; the extent to which his EU and UN colleagues can co-operate to address such issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9982/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Unfortunately, many countries world-wide continue to face significant developmental and humanitarian challenges. Ongoing and protracted conflicts cause untold suffering for millions of people while global turbulence, such as the continuing financial and economic crisis and volatile food prices, have a major impact on food security. At the same time, millions more continue to live with the effects of natural disasters and their legacies. Responding to all of these challenges is not easy. Indeed, the situation in many countries remains fragile and some of those receiving help today will continue to require assistance in the years ahead. Meeting these demands requires not only an effective humanitarian and emergency response: it also means preparing for new crises, building resilience and working with development actors to address the underlying causes of conflict and disaster. It is tackling these challenges, comprehensively, coherently and effectively that has gained Ireland its international reputation in the field of development cooperation and humanitarian endeavour.

Ireland works close with international partners, including the EU and relevant UN organisations, in addressing the problems affecting individual countries and regions. We recognise the need for a coordinated and comprehensive approach in order to maximise the impact of international assistance. It is not sufficient to address the humanitarian and development aspects alone. Development programmes can only be effective if they have a secure environment in which to thrive.

I have regular discussions with my colleagues, at EU level, bilaterally and at UN fora, on issues relating to international peace and security. The meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council provide regular opportunities at which to consider such events and the response of the European Union and the wider international community to them. The Council is also the body which takes decisions in relation to the EU's crisis management actions, such as the launching of new EU missions or significant changes to the 13 existing Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions - 10 of which are civilian operations.

Officials of my Department and the Department of Defence also hold regular discussions with like-minded countries, including in relation to the 9 different UN-mandated peace-keeping and peace enforcement missions on which members of the Defence Forces are currently deployed.

We are interested in further developing cooperation with the UN in crisis management and peace-keeping. An initiative proposed by Ireland on enhancing the EU's contribution to UN peacekeeping was formally discussed within the EU institutions in 2011 and an action plan is currently being developed to take forward work in this area. Ireland will continue to work to ensure that all of these issues continue to be a focus of attention at EU and multilateral level.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 131: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the events in Syria have been the subject of discussion at EU and UN level; the degree to which opportunity for positive intervention has been identified in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9983/12]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 132: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the situation in Syria remains on the agenda at EU Council meetings; the action taken or proposed of a positive and restraining nature arising therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9984/12]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 133: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when it is expected that the combined influence of the international community will be brought to bear to bring to an end the ongoing conflict in Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9985/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 131 to 133, inclusive, together.

I have on a number of occasions stated clearly my grave concerns at the deteriorating situation in Syria and condemned the unacceptable violence and repression which is now estimated to have claimed some 7,000 lives since last March. In my address to the Security Council in New York on 9 February, I described the current situation in Syria as completely intolerable and condemned the appalling suffering of the Syrian people at the hands of the Assad regime. I also discussed the situation with the UN Secretary General Ban Ki moon and US Deputy Secretary of State Burns during the course of my recent visit to the United States.

Given the serious implications for regional peace and security, it is deeply regrettable that the Security Council has so far been unable to speak with a single voice on Syria, in failing to pass a Resolution on 4 February which otherwise commanded the full support of the Council. The ramifications of this failure have been made painfully clear in the weeks since as the violence in Syria, and in particular the appalling attacks on the civilian population in cities such as Homs, Bab Amr and Hama, has increased significantly. There is a desperate need for humanitarian access, including medical assistance, to citizens in these areas.

The international community can no longer continue to ignore the daily escalation of bloodshed and repression as the Assad regime seeks to extinguish the legitimate desire of ordinary Syrians for democracy and renewal. There is a clear onus on the international community to protect the people of Syria from further suffering and to promote a speedy resolution of this conflict through peaceful political dialogue. It is clear that President Assad will not begin this process without additional pressure from the international community.

I welcome the continued strong leadership of the Arab League as well as the UN Secretary General and others in the international community who are striving to end the violence in Syria. The initial meeting of the Friends of Syria Group in Tunisia on 24 February, which will be attended by Arab League Foreign Ministers as well as EU High Representative Catherine Ashton and US Secretary of State Clinton amongst others, will provide a timely opportunity to consider next steps and to bring together representatives of Syria's fragmented peaceful opposition.

At UN level, Ireland and all EU partners voted in favour of a UN General Assembly Resolution on 16 February which was supported by an overwhelming majority of UN member states. The Resolution condemned human rights violations in Syria, called for an end to the violence in Syria, supported the Arab League peace plan and called on President Assad to resign in order to allow a political transition to begin. The UN General Assembly also received a briefing from High Commissioner for Human Rights Pillay on 13 February which described the appalling and widespread human rights violations ongoing in Syria. The human rights situation in Syria is also likely to be addressed at the forthcoming session of the UN Human Rights Council later this month.

The EU is also playing its part, not least through the enactment of tough sanctions against Syria which include a ban on oil imports. Syria will also figure heavily on the agenda for the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 27 February which I will attend and where there is likely to be consideration of how to increase even further the already considerable international pressure on the Assad regime to change course. This may include additional restrictive measures.

Meanwhile, Arab League Ministers met in Cairo on 12 February and decided to increase sanctions against Syria, to support Syria's non-violent opposition, and to appoint former Jordanian Foreign Minister Al-Khatib as Arab League envoy to Syria. The Arab League plan adopted last November and recently considered by the UN Security Council still represents the most credible basis for resolving the current crisis. All sides need to desist from further violence and to allow the main elements of the Arab League plan, including withdrawal of all military forces to barracks, release of all detainees and the stepping down of President Assad to allow the start of a political transition, to be implemented. In relation to the Arab League's proposal for a joint UN-Arab peace-keeping force to be established, this idea is under consideration but it is clear that a prior ceasefire would be essential.

Ireland and its EU partners, working with the UN, the Arab League and international partners such as the US and Turkey, are determined to maintain strong and united political pressure on the Syrian regime until it ends the violent repression against its own people and begins a process of transition.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 134: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which conflict in Africa remains an issue for discussion with his colleagues at EU and UN level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9986/12]

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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The issue of addressing conflict, including its causes and the resulting humanitarian situation in the Horn of Africa, has been the subject of recent discussion and decisions at both the European Union (EU) and United Nations (UN) levels. Addressing the many problems faced by the region remains a huge challenge given the issues of piracy off the coast of Somalia, the displacement of several hundred thousand people across the region, and an estimated 13 million people in need of emergency assistance. The centre of the crisis is in southern Somalia, where famine was declared last year in six areas of the country and where access for humanitarian aid agencies remains a major challenge, most especially in areas controlled by the Islamist group, Al-Shabaab.

In response to the fragile political and humanitarian situation, the EU in November 2011 adopted a Strategic Framework to guide the EU's engagement in the region. This renewed commitment to the Horn of Africa is rooted in the region's importance, the EU's desire to support the immediate welfare of the people of the Horn and the longer term need for economic development and human wellbeing there. The EU and its Member States recognised that instability in the region poses a growing challenge not only to the security of its peoples but also to the rest of the world.

EU engagement will be in support of both regional efforts, including through the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD) and the African Union (AU), and national efforts to achieve lasting peace, security and justice, good governance based on the democratic principles of inclusion, the rule of law and respect for human rights.

To enhance the coherence, quality, impact and visibility of the EU's multifaceted action in the region, the EU last month appointed a Special Representative (EUSR) who, in close consultation with the EUSR for Sudan and South Sudan, will contribute to the EU's regional approach to the interrelated challenges facing the Horn. As Ireland recognises that a military and security approach can only have very limited success in addressing the crisis in Somalia and the wider region, we are strongly supportive of a comprehensive approach to tackling the problems of the region and we will support the EUSR in his work to ensure this.

The EU and Member States have supported African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) since its launch in March 2007 through the African Union's African Peace Facility (AFP). As a regional peace-keeping mission, it is mandated to support transitional governmental structures, implement a national security plan, train the Somali security forces, and to assist in creating a secure environment for the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Ireland has been directly involved in the EU Training Mission (EUTM) which is contributing to strengthening the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia as a functioning Government serving the Somali population and aims to build regional capacity in the medium term.

The mission operates in close co-operation and coordination with other international actors, in particular, the UN and AMISOM. Five members of the Irish Permanent Defence Forces were deployed to the mission in April 2010. In June 2011 the Government approved continued participation in the mission, for a further period of one year beyond August 2011. On 8 August 2011, Colonel Michael Beary of the Irish Permanent Defence Forces, took over as Mission Commander.

I can assure you that Ireland, in association with EU partners will continue to work with regional governments, the UN, international partners, and humanitarian organizations to meet short-term emergency needs, to establish regional food security, and to tackle the causes of conflict which have prevented stable government throughout the region.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 135: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he and his EU colleagues, directly or through the UN can make a positive intervention to address human rights, ethnic cleansing and genocide in the horn of Africa and the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9987/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The current political and humanitarian situations in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East, and their human toll in terms of suffering and displacement, particularly in Somalia and Syria, are of great concern. During 2011, countries in the Horn of Africa continued to face significant developmental and humanitarian challenges. Ongoing drought in the region has resulted in over 12 million people being in desperate need of assistance. Ongoing and protracted conflict, particularly in Somalia, has caused untold suffering for millions of people. Over 250,000 people there are estimated by the UN to be living in famine conditions. At the same time, millions more across the region continue to live with the effects of natural disasters and their legacies.

The EU and Member States have supported the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) since its launch in March 2007 through the African Union's African Peace Facility (AFP). As a regional peace-keeping mission, it is mandated to support transitional Governmental structures, implement a national security plan, train the Somali security forces, and to assist in creating a secure environment for the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Ireland, through the provision of Mission Commander and a number of Irish Permanent Defence Forces members has been directly involved in the EU Training Mission (EUTM) which is contributing to strengthening the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia as a functioning Government serving the Somali population and aims to build regional capacity in the medium term. This is a very practical expression of our commitment to peace and stability there.

A more positive picture is evident in Ethiopia and Kenya. In these two countries the authorities have worked hard over many years to build resilience and enhance the coping mechanisms of those vulnerable to external shocks or disasters. Due in part to support from Ireland and others, Kenya and Ethiopia have taken steps to protect their populations from the worst effects of the regional crisis.

The Government remains actively involved at the EU and UN levels in pushing for a strongly coordinated approach to address the many challenges in the region. In response to the fragile political and humanitarian situation, the EU in November 2011 adopted a Strategic Framework to guide the EU's engagement in the region. In order to ensure that the actions proposed in the framework are implemented, the EU recently appointed a Special Representative (EUSR) who, in close consultation with the EUSR for Sudan and South Sudan, will contribute to the EU's regional approach to the interrelated challenges facing the Horn. With regard the Middle East, I have on a number of occasions stated clearly my grave concerns at the deteriorating situation in Syria and condemned the unacceptable violence and repression which is now estimated to have claimed some 7,000 lives since last March. In my address to the Security Council in New York on 9 February, I described the current situation in Syria as completely intolerable and condemned the appalling suffering of the Syrian people at the hands of the Assad regime. I also discussed the situation with the UN Secretary General Ban Ki moon and US Deputy Secretary of State Burns during the course of my visit to the United States.

Given the serious implications for regional peace and security, it is deeply regrettable that the Security Council has so far been unable to speak with a single voice on Syria, in failing to pass a Resolution on 4 February which otherwise commanded the full support of the Council. The ramifications of this failure have been made painfully clear in the weeks since, as the violence in Syria, and in particular the appalling attacks on the civilian population in cities such as Homs, Bab Amr and Hama, has increased significantly. There is a desperate need for humanitarian access, including medical assistance, to citizens in these areas.

I welcome the continued strong leadership of the Arab League as well as the UN Secretary General and others in the international community who are striving to end the violence in Syria. The initial meeting of the Friends of Syria Group in Tunisia on 24 February, which will be attended by Arab League Foreign Ministers as well as EU High Representative Catherine Ashton and US Secretary of State Clinton amongst others, will provide a timely opportunity to consider next steps and to bring together representatives of Syria's fragmented peaceful opposition.

At UN level, Ireland and all EU partners voted in favour of a UN General Assembly Resolution on 16 February which was supported by an overwhelming majority of UN member states. The Resolution condemned human rights violations in Syria, called for an end to the violence in Syria, supported the Arab League peace plan and called on President Assad to resign in order to allow a political transition to begin. The EU is also playing its part, not least through the enactment of tough sanctions against Syria which include a ban on oil imports.