Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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29. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is monitoring human rights standards in Pakistan, and in particular if he has assessed the blasphemy law which it is alleged is oppressive to Christians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19681/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland consistently engages with Pakistan on human rights, both bilaterally and multilaterally. Mostly recently, in January 2023, Ireland made an intervention on blasphemy legislation during Pakistan’s Universal Periodic Review at the 42nd Session of the UN Human Rights Council. We recommended that Pakistan amend blasphemy legislation to avoid unjustly targeting or discriminating against any religious minority. We also recommended that Pakistan establish an independent inquiry into all suspected cases of enforced disappearance, and hold alleged perpetrators to account. Ireland will continue to support Pakistan’s efforts to advance human rights through this UN Human Rights Council mechanism, acknowledging progress where appropriate.

The Embassy of Ireland in Türkiye, which is accredited to Pakistan, actively monitors the human rights situation in Pakistan, in close consultation with the EU Delegation in Islamabad. Our Ambassador to Pakistan visited Islamabad in November 2022 and discussed human rights issues with a number of Pakistani governmental officials. Earlier, in February 2021, she also met with Pakistan’s then Federal Minister for Human Rights, Ms Shireen Mazari.

At an EU level, the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Mr Eamon Gilmore met with Minister Mazari in February 2022, as part of a visit to reaffirm the centrality of human rights in the EU-Pakistani relationship. At the EU-Pakistan Joint Commission in October 2022, both sides discussed civil and political rights.

Ireland will continue to engage on human rights issues with Pakistan bilaterally, in multilateral settings and as a member of the EU. We contribute actively to the development of EU policies towards Pakistan and remain engaged on the human rights situation there, reflecting the fact that the promotion and protection of universal human rights is a cornerstone of Irish foreign policy.