Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The conflict in Yemen, which is a civil war, has continued for too long, with devastating consequences for the people of Yemen. Ireland supports the call for an immediate ceasefire across Yemen and the negotiation of a sustainable peace agreement under the auspices of the UN. All parties must work towards an immediate de-escalataion. Ireland has consistently called on the parties concerned to take all possible measures to prevent any loss of civilian life and to respect international humanitarian law. There have been numerous reports of acts in the course of the conflict that are contrary to international law, including damage and destruction to civilian infrastructure; gender-based violence, including sexual violence; torture; mistreatment of prisoners; violations against children, including the recruitment of child soldiers; and violations against journalists, human rights defenders, minorities, migrants and internally displaced persons. Ireland supports accountability for all these violations of international humanitarian law and for all human rights abuses.

We must also continue to support the people of Yemen, millions of whom require humanitarian assistance. Ireland has been a reliable and consistent donor to Yemen since the current crisis began in 2015 and one of the largest donors per capita. On 16 March, as I mentioned, the Minister, Deputy Coveney, pledged €5 million on behalf of Ireland, matching our 2021 and 2020 contributions.