Dr. John McAreavey:

In availing of the opportunity given to us today, we want to give a voice to the voiceless who do not get a chance to speak for themselves. Restriction on the practice of religion is an abuse of human rights. The issue of human rights is largely the currency through which we deal with these matters and it is right that we do it. I am delighted that there is a gentleman from Iran here today as part of one of the other delegations. Although we had planned to have a citizen of Iraq as part of our delegation, on reflection, he felt it was too risky for his family, who are still in Iraq. We are sensitive to the difficulties that speaking here can create for others.

Deputy Smith made a very powerful point about the need for sensitivity. Even in a discussion such as this, there is a danger that Christians in some of the countries in which they are in the minority might continue to be seen as crypto-Westerners. In speaking out for these people, we are not asking for anything for them other than that they be respected citizens of the country in which they live. We are not asking for any particular privileges but are only saying they should be respected and that their rights in those countries should be acknowledged. Deputy Quinn made a point about holding countries to what they have signed up to, which is important. He will know better than many people that it is not easy. A few years ago, I was with Trócaire in Pakistan and was told that although the law on bonded labourers there was perfect, the culture meant that action was not taken against wealthy landowners who were abusing labourers.

I appreciate very much the experience and wisdom of the Deputies and Senators. In speaking here today, I would like to think that our main target is the people of Ireland, particularly on issues such as opening our doors and being more sensitive to the needs of people fleeing war-torn areas, such as Syria and Iraq. Our own people will have to free our politicians up and say we must do what we have to do, difficult as our situation is and will probably remain.

Religion never comes unalloyed. There is a toxic mix between a kind of religion and a kind of politics. Christians in many parts of the world pay a price for what the West has done and, in some instances, is not doing. In an ecumenical context, I have heard it said that Washington is the new Rome. The Crusades were directed from Rome. A very practical example is that Christians in Pakistan feel the backdraft from drones in Afghanistan. What Washington does is seen as “the West” and the new Rome. The West has much to answer for in terms of its foreign policy bias and willingness to tolerate situations such as in Israel and Palestine, which, although not easy to resolve, will not be resolved by a totally partisan approach.

I thank the committee for the opportunity to speak for those people who cannot speak for themselves. I hope, through the exposure of this topic, people in Ireland, Christians and those who do not consider themselves Christians, might be moved to a deeper compassion and hospitality, where it is required. I invite my colleague, Fr. Tim Bartlett, who has not spoken, although he is not easily kept silent, to make his contribution.