John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

As we approach the first anniversary of the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February, when war once again became an instrument of policy in Europe, I reiterate my commitment and support for the territorial integrity of Ukraine and national self-determination of the Ukrainian people. Ireland must continue to offer its support to the Ukrainian people. The need for humanitarian assistance has never been greater, particularly as Russian forces continue to deliberately target civilians and civilian infrastructure. The UN has recorded casualty figures close to 20,000, including almost 7,000 civilians butchered, although it believes the real figures are much higher. Some 8 million Ukrainians have fled the country in search of safety right across Europe, while 6 million more have been internally displaced and close to 18 million people remain in need of humanitarian aid in Ukraine. Russia is deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure. In some regions as many as half the healthcare facilities have been destroyed. Millions of children have been impacted through the destruction of schools.

I re-emphasise my support for the work and investigations being undertaken by the investigator of the International Criminal Court. This is a conflict in which there have been countless documented instances of murder, torture and sexual assault of civilians. The continuing illegal transfer of Ukrainian civilians, including children, from Ukraine to Russia must be stopped. The importance of accountability and bringing to justice the perpetrators of these war crimes cannot be overstated. Every possible support must be offered to the investigators of the International Criminal Court and the continuation of the UN Black Sea grain initiative must also receive the complete support of the EU. Millions of tonnes of foodstuffs have been moved under this initiative to some 43 countries, many of which are enduring incredible suffering due to food shortages, climate change and regional instability exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine. It is imperative that access to food sources for suffering states is maintained to prevent further food insecurity and that prices are controlled to prevent spiralling costs.

I welcome comments made by the Tánaiste regarding the need for the EU to seek compensation for the habitual destruction of EU-sponsored structures by Israeli forces, including many structures and properties funded by the Irish taxpayer. It is important that the Tánaiste's words are not left to linger. He and the Government must follow up immediately with tangible action. It is long past time that Israel was treated the same as any other state that disregards international law so readily. Since the election of the most right-wing government in the history of Israel, violence has escalated. Tragically, extreme elements of that government are seeking to take advantage of recent tragedies to introduce even more punitive measures against Palestinians, while ignoring the violence of illegal Israeli settlers and military forces. Israel's security approach of mass raids, collective punishments and targeted killings is turning both Palestinian territories and Israel into a human rights cesspit.

A little over a week ago, 100,000 Israelis marched in protest at attempts by the new government to weaken the judiciary and exert more control over the supreme court. The Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has promised his right-wing allies in government that he will annex the West Bank and restrict the Palestinian Authority, effectively imposing sanctions on Palestinian leaders. The list goes on. The question remains: what is the EU going to do to protect the rights of Palestinians? The continuing failure to act undermines the moral authority of both Ireland and the EU. We need the same political impetus and will as witnessed in Ukraine to be applied to investigations of war crimes in Palestine and other countries. Human rights must be implemented universally. They are not a pick-and-mix that one can pick and choose from. They need to be implemented universally and all perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity must be held to account. It is long past time that the EU and this State acted. I call on the Tánaiste, as Minister for Foreign Affairs, to act immediately.

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