Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This has come up in engagements with the Chinese ambassador here. Obviously we have raised this, and I outlined a series of instances where we have raised it, in international fora, whether at the UN Human Rights Council or other fora.

The term "genocide" has a particular meaning in international law, and recognition of events defined as genocide involves an analysis of facts and law. Ireland follows the practice of recognising genocide where this has been established by a judgment of an international court where there is international consensus on the matter. Some parliaments have passed non-binding motions labelling the situation in Xinjiang as genocide. In my opinion, such resolutions have mainly served to harden attitudes on the Chinese side but have not improved the situation for the Uighur population. An approach whereby the EU, its member states and other like-minded states continue to press for better access to the region and to better establish the realities on the ground seems to me to be a more effective one to follow at this time.

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