Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will speak briefly. Later, we will discuss amendments dealing with how humanitarian assistance is treated under legislation. The definition that we have proposed is based on the European Parliament's report. It relates to fundamental rights and, in the wider sense, human rights. We have gone with a definition that has been used and that has strong agreement, but the core of our argument is that there must be a definition and that humanitarian assistance should be recognised.

In terms of fundamental rights and human rights, the list our amendment contains is not exclusive. Rather, it contains inclusive examples such as healthcare, shelter, hygiene and, crucially, legal assistance, in which regard we will discuss specific measures later, for example, rights under the European convention and refugees' rights.

I wish to note something that the IHREC highlighted in its original submission on the Bill. Although they do not need to be enumerated in this amendment, the specific rights of women, children, including girls, and persons with disabilities must also form part of the framework of rights that need to be regarded where humanitarian assistance is relevant.