Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to draw attention to the seemingly ever-growing global problem of human rights abuses in various war zones. The number of such zones - in countries such as Iraq, Nigeria, South Sudan, Egypt and Syria - appears to be increasing. The degree to which human rights abuses continue to take place as a result of either war or a lack of democratic structures is a matter of concern. To what extent does the international community have influence in respect of the situations to which I refer, particularly when those who perpetrate human rights abuses are under the impression that they can act with impunity because there will be no retribution against them? To what extent can the European Union, which is a fairly powerful body, bring some meaningful influence to bear, be it in the form of sanctions or whatever, in respect of these perpetrators? The list of conflicts appears to be growing and the type of atrocities committed appear to becoming worse. Once perpetrators realise that no action will ever be taken against them, that they will not be charged with war crimes and that they will not be subjected to retribution, they are prepared to continue with their activities. It must be extremely frustrating for the Tánaiste and his colleagues throughout the European Union that this seems to be the case.

Has a policy review taken place, or is one likely to be carried out, as a result of the failure to satisfactorily close the gap with regard to the position in Ukraine and other eastern neighbourhood countries? Have any lessons been learned in this regard and is it possible that in the future the European Union will not be treated as it was in this instance?

My final point relates to Boko Haram. The intentions of that group seem to be quite clear. It is obvious that Boko Haram intends to continue with its nefarious activities, including the abuse and abduction of women and children. The international community seems to be powerless in the context of making any positive intervention to deter this group from continuing with its activities. Effectively, Boko Haram is treating the European Union and the wider global community with contempt. As long as this continues to be the case, there will be further outbursts of violence and human rights abuses literally on a daily basis. What can the European Union do about this matter?