Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)

Since the beginning of the current conflict in Libya, there has been a growing concern within the international community that deliberate targeting of civilians has been prevalent. The UN Security Council has used this growing concern to set in motion a no-fly zone under the recently passed Resolution 1973. This urgency is in stark contrast with the situation in Bahrain and Yemen. Why is this? Is it because Colonel Gadaffi is viewed by the Western powers of Britain, the USA and France as being less friendly than the ruling dictatorships in Bahrain and Yemen?

The national, democratic and human rights of all peoples must be defended whether they are Libyan, Bahraini, Yemeni, Palestinian or even Irish. The hypocritical stance of the UN on the Libyan conflict is one that the Government should and must raise with our European partners. While there has been some critical commentary on the motives of and speedy response by the UN compared with its lack of a response in other countries, the emphasis on the protection of civilians in Libya contained within Resolution 1973 is to be welcomed. However, it remains to be seen what the effects of such a resolution will mean for people on the ground.

Claims that the international coalition has caused civilian casualties must be treated severely. It is unacceptable that they are dismissed out of hand. Yesterday, it was claimed in the media that an Osprey fighter shot at civilians, one of whom lost a leg in the incident. There is serious mounting concern about a growing number of reports by reputable sources such as Amnesty International regarding disappearances, namely, that those who have disappeared are in the custody of Colonel Gadaffi's forces. This is a worrying development by any standard. Colonel Gadaffi must immediately call a halt to any human rights violations carried out by his state's forces.

It is also paramount that those enforcing the no-fly zone adhere strictly to the rules of international humanitarian law. The protection of all civilians must be at the heart of any military action. The international coalition must refrain from targeting areas where civilians could be threatened. It must also refrain from targeting civilian infrastructure. Attacks should not take place on civilian objects even if their destruction is presumed to weaken Gadaffi's forces. We cannot witness a repeat of the events in Iraq or allow this situation to escalate to such a level.

The growing humanitarian crisis that is people fleeing the Libyan conflict during the unrest is emerging as a critical issue. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR, has warned that at least 75,000 people have turned towards the Tunisian border and an additional 69,000 have turned towards Egypt. Thousands of refugees are stuck at Libya's border with two countries in freezing conditions and with little or no international assistance or hope of escape. This humanitarian crisis is set to deepen and worsen. The refugees must not be forced to turn back. Ireland and the rest of the international community must use whatever influence they can bring to bear on Libya's neighbouring countries to convince them to open their borders in the medium term while the conflict is escalating. The international community must support and assist countries that agree to receive refugees.

There is no military solution to the situation in Libya. Meaningful dialogue must be employed as the path forward and a halt to military action must be made by all sides. This needs to be the international community's focus. I call on the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to use his office to ensure Ireland leads the way in trying to put a stop to the conflict and start dialogue.

See this speech in context