Written answers

Thursday, 28 April 2005

Department of Foreign Affairs

Human Rights Issues

5:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 30: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his proposals to influence the UN and the EU with a view to seriously addressing the issues of human rights abuse, starvation and war in Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13689/05]

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 139: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which progress can be reported in regard to tackling the issues of war, starvation and human rights abuses throughout the African continent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13868/05]

Photo of Conor LenihanConor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 139 together.

I am aware of the enormity of the challenges facing African nations as they seek to build the foundations of economic and social development, often in a climate of hunger and warfare. The reduction of poverty, hunger and conflict in Africa are, I believe, some of the most important tasks to which the international community can dedicate itself in the 21st century. Good governance and the promotion of human rights are core elements of these tasks. These objectives will only be achieved when donors such as Ireland, the EU and others work hand in hand with United Nations agencies, dedicated to relieving poverty, tackling famine, building accountable governance and reducing conflict.

The EU is the world's largest contributor to development co-operation. Through its emergency response and food assistance, the EU strives to meet the needs of the most vulnerable populations in Africa. Its long-term programmes of assistance are aimed at rebuilding the devastated economies of Africa. Ireland fully supported the decision by the EU to establish a peace facility for Africa to assist African governments in preventing and solving conflicts on their continent. Ireland will continue to use every opportunity to highlight the plight of Africa at EU level and the need for concerted and co-ordinated actions, if the millennium development goals are to be achieved on the continent.

At UN level, Ireland has strong partnerships with UN agencies such as the World Food Programme, WFP, UNICEF, United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, World Health Organisation, WHO, and others. These partnerships enable Ireland to play a role in addressing humanitarian emergencies in, inter alia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, Eritrea and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Meeting the needs of some of the most conflict affected populations, especially women and children, is a key objective of Ireland and our partnership with UNICEF is particularly important in this regard.

I have recently returned from Darfur, Sudan, where I witnessed at first hand the excellent work of the UN and its agencies. Ireland has contributed substantially to this effort. I also witnessed the important contribution to stability being made by the African Union, AU, and I am glad that Ireland has also has been able to assist the AU. Working closely with the UN, Ireland can also assist in post-conflict situations such as Liberia and Sierra Leone. We have recently opened a development co-operation office in Sierra Leone. The office covers both Sierra Leone and Liberia. We are working with the UN and non-governmental organisations, NGOs, in important DDRR — disarmament, demobilisation, reintegration and rehabilitation — activities for ex-combatants. This is essential work if there is to be no sliding back to conflict and war.

If we are to break the cyclical nature of food insecurity and conflict in Africa, the underlying structural problems affecting poverty and stability must be addressed. Ireland has strong development partnerships with six countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Through these partnerships Ireland fully engages with the governments, donors, EU and UN agencies on the basis of poverty reduction strategy plans, PRSPs. The PRSPs outline how each country prioritises resources and policies with the objective of reducing poverty. These programmes contain a strong governance element throughout, to assist in the building of democratic structures, the rule of law and a culture of respect for human rights.

This comprehensive and African owned approach by donors, governments and civil societies stands the best chance of reversing the downward spiral of economic and social indicators in sub-Saharan Africa, reducing conflict and facilitating real and positive change in the lives of millions of Africans.

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