Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Ireland strongly condemns the coup carried out by the Myanmar military in February 2021, and attempts by the junta to consolidate and legitimise the military regime. I remain deeply concerned by the widespread violence, the high levels of displacement, and the dire humanitarian and human rights situation, which have had a particular impact on the Rohingya population.

Ireland remains actively engaged on the issue, including through work at the United Nations General Assembly and the Human Rights Council. We strongly support the UN accountability mechanisms, including the International Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar and the Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights in Myanmar.

At EU level, the eighth sanctions package on Myanmar since the coup in 2021 was adopted on 11 December 2023. Ireland fully supports these actions against perpetrators of the coup, as well as those who sustain them. We welcome consideration of further measures that would be effective in restoring Myanmar’s democratic path, and creating conditions conducive to the voluntary, safe and dignified return of Rohingya refugees.

In 2019, The Gambia instituted proceedings against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), alleging violations of the Genocide Convention with respect to Myanmar’s treatment of the Rohingya. The ICJ ruled it had jurisdiction to hear the case in July 2022. Proceedings are currently focused on substantive arguments over whether Myanmar has breached its obligations under the Genocide Convention. The case is ongoing and The Gambia is due to submit its reply to the arguments made by Myanmar by 16 May 2024.

Ireland is a firm supporter of the International Court of Justice. My Department will continue to closely follow the work of the ICJ on this case.

Ireland also continues to support the Rohingya population through humanitarian funding. In 2023, Irish funding to Myanmar and the Rohingya crisis totalled nearly €2.4 million. Support for humanitarian assistance will continue in 2024.