Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 110: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on representations he has made to US authorities on the war crimes committed by US personnel against Iraqi prisoners held at the Abu Ghraib facility in Baghdad; the steps the Government will take to ensure that there is no impunity for persons responsible for these crimes regardless of position or rank; and if the Government will demand that the US allow independent human rights monitors including Amnesty International and the United Nations access to all US detention facilities in Iraq. [14039/04]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government has from the outset called on all parties in the conflict to respect their obligations under international law both in regard to the status of civilians and in regard to prisoners of war. In line with this, the Government has publicly and strongly condemned any incidents of abuse of prisoners in Iraq by occupying forces which have taken place as contrary to international humanitarian law. The Government's calls are in keeping with the public pronouncements of UN Secretary General Annan. Moreover, Security Council Resolution 1483 of 22 May 2003 calls upon all concerned to comply fully with their obligations under international law including, in particular, the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the Hague Regulations of 1907. The treatment of prisoners of war is specifically covered by the 3rd Geneva Convention. As stated above, the Government has strongly condemned the abuse of prisoners in Iraq, and our concern in this regard has been conveyed to the US and to the British authorities. We have also noted the response of these authorities in instigating investigations into reports of such abuse, and their commitment to rectify any failure to adhere to international humanitarian law. We expect that the authorities will deal with those responsible accordingly, and will implement measures to prevent their recurrence. The International Committee of the Red Cross has access to the US detention facilities in Iraq but we would also welcome wider access for reputable non-governmental organisations. In this regard, I am not aware of the United Nations having requested such access. However, the United Nations Office of the High Commission for Human Rights, OHCHR, is preparing a report on the human rights situation in Iraq which will cover, among other issues, the treatment of persons in detention.