Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for raising this important issue. There is a grim timeliness about this Topical Issue debate. It is deeply dismaying that we should need to discuss continuing violence and persecution against Christians in the Middle East as we prepare to commemorate the Easter holidays. I must begin by expressing my horror at the attacks on two Coptic churches in Egypt on Sunday, and to extend my deepest condolences to the victims and their families. The political turmoil which has overwhelmed many countries in the Middle East in recent years has led to increased concerns about the safety of many religious minorities and other minority groups.

Christian communities have indeed suffered greatly in many of these countries. In Syria and Iraq, notably, they have been caught up a general collapse of state control and authority, and increasingly sectarian violence which has made all minorities vulnerable.

This has culminated in both countries in the murderous bigotry of Daesh and other terrorist groups that have attacked and murdered many communities and groups of people for their religious beliefs and way of life. The attacks in Egypt and similar earlier incidents were, in all likelihood, a deliberate attempt to provoke similar sectarian divisions in that country. However, thus far the reaction of Egyptians has been exactly the opposite.

Even when the current violence is brought to an end, as it will be, many of these ancient communities will be permanently diminished. Over half of Iraqi Christians have fled the country. While some may return, many are now settled in the United States and Australia and they will not return. These tragic events are the result of crises of governance and legitimacy and, in some places, the collapse of state authority. The grim reality is that the only means of securing the protection of Christian communities and other minorities throughout the Middle East is through the promotion of sustainable political solutions to the conflicts that have for so long destabilised the region and have been the key factor in the promotion of radical and extremist ideologies.

Ireland has consistently called for inclusive, democratic solutions to the unrest in the Middle East and north Africa. Deputies will be aware that we have been to the fore under successive Governments in trying to focus international attention and effort on these problems. We have actively supported and encouraged successive political efforts to achieve ceasefires and to advance and progress peace agreements. We have worked to discourage outside interventions that have worsened these conflicts. We have worked to urge mechanisms of accountability for those guilty of war crimes.

Irish peacekeepers and professional staff have served with UN missions in Lebanon, Syria, the Palestinian territories and Iraq. We have supported efforts to establish humanitarian corridors. We have significantly increased humanitarian aid in addition to the marvellous efforts of Irish NGOs throughout the region. I pay tribute to Irish NGOs and peacekeepers for the manner in which they conduct their business and for their experience and expertise in some of the most challenging regions in the world.

More broadly and in view of the longer term, Ireland engages in international work to combat the persecution of Christians and other minorities in the Middle East. There is not time in this short debate to cover these in detail. However, I acknowledge the importance of these issues to the Deputies who have raised the matter. I was pleased to meet Deputy McGrath and others, as he evidenced.

Ireland has made freedom of religion and belief a priority of our engagement. At the United Nations General Assembly I have condemned all forms of persecution, intolerance and discrimination based on religion or belief. Ireland has consistently supported resolutions on freedom of religion or belief at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, including co-sponsorship of the resolution at the most recent session of the Human Rights Council some weeks back in March.

In addition, Ireland frequently raises the issue of the persecution of Christians through our bilateral contacts in the region. We stress the responsibility of governments to protect all citizens and minorities, irrespective of their religion or belief. I assure the Deputies that Ireland will continue to play an important role in this area and actively support freedom of religion or belief across our foreign policy.

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