Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)

I thank the Minister of State, I know he was late but at least he is in attendance. I believe this is the second time I have spoken on the topic of Syria and the situation has become graver. Given that Ireland is a member of the OSCE, of which we hold the chairmanship, we must voice our deepest concerns at the highest diplomatic level about the ongoing desperate situation in Syria, which appears to be on the brink of civil war. The UN has been trying to broker a ceasefire between opposing sides in recent months but it appears that has not been successful and the entire situation has escalated into one of horrific proportions.

If the latest reports from that country are to be believed, children are bearing the brunt of this civil unrest. Herein lies a great difficulty as the Syrian Government restricts journalists from moving freely, making it nearly impossible to independently verify accounts from either side. This action speaks volumes - why would it restrict coverage if it had nothing to hide? Very worrying reports are coming from the UN that children are being beaten, abused, tortured and subjected to sexual abuse. One report quoted a witness as saying several dozen boys and girls, between the ages of eight and 13, were forcibly taken from their homes and used by soldiers and militia members as human shields. An estimated 1,200 children have been killed in the 15-month conflict.

The UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, said the report had uncovered many grave violations against children. The report was completed before the Houla massacre in Syria on 25 May, when 49 of the 108 victims were said to be children, who were shot in the head or had their skulls smashed with blunt instruments. We must act now. I am reminded of the quote, "The world is a dangerous place, not because of the evil men do, but because of those that stand idly by and do nothing". It has gone well past that time and we cannot just stand idly by. While our thoughts are elsewhere on economic affairs in Europe, we must act at this stage and bring pressure to bear given that we hold the chairmanship of the OSCE. Members of the OSCE include the United States and Russia, which have a very large role to play. We need to do whatever we can.

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