Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 89: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the stance of the Government regarding the escalating human rights and humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe, including the fact that almost a quarter of a million of the poorest of the poor have been driven from their homes by a Government sponsored program of destruction of slums; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39283/05]

Shane McEntee (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 108: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the situation in Zimbabwe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39205/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 108 together.

The Government remains gravely concerned regarding developments in Zimbabwe, particularly in the aftermath of the clearance campaign known as Operation Restore Order launched by the Zimbabwean Government last May, which has resulted in over 700,000 people being left homeless. The disastrous humanitarian consequences of this clearance operation have been well described in the report prepared by Ms Anna Tibaijuka, the special envoy appointed by UN Secretary General Annan to examine the consequences of Operation Restore Order, which was presented last July.

This report makes clear that Operation Restore Order was carried out in an indiscriminate and unjustified manner, with indifference to human suffering and in disregard of international law. It is regrettable that the Mugabe government has failed to respond appropriately to Ms Tibaijuka's recommendations, including bringing to account those responsible for launching Operation Restore Order. There also continue to be reports of dismantling by security forces of temporary shelters erected by those made homeless as a result of government actions.

The UN Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs, Jan Egeland, visited Zimbabwe from 3-7 December, during which time he inspected conditions for those made homeless by Operation Restore Order and also held two meetings with President Mugabe. Mr. Egeland has made clear following his visit that the humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe remains extremely serious and is deteriorating, with life expectancy reduced by half over the past 15 years. He reported some progress in talks with the Zimbabwean Government on the provision of assistance by the international community to those made homeless by Operation Restore Order, with the UN now planning to build 20,000 housing units over the next few months. The UN and the Zimbabwean Government have also agreed to establish a task force to deal with the serious food insecurity now prevailing in Zimbabwe and which could lead to up to 4 million people in Zimbabwe requiring food assistance in the period up to next April.

The UN World Food Programme last week launched a global appeal for $276 million to help provide food aid and medical and general assistance for Zimbabwe's people. Ireland has provided almost €2 million in emergency and recovery support, including food assistance, to the people of Zimbabwe during 2005. A further €1 million has been committed to help mitigate the impact of the AIDS pandemic. Total aid to Zimbabwe since 2004 stands at approximately €8 million. Ireland is committed to continuing to deliver assistance directly to those most in need through a broad range of civil and aid organisations and will obviously take account of the UN WFP appeal in deciding on allocations for 2006.

The political and human rights situation in Zimbabwe also remains of concern. Elections to the new senate established under constitutional amendments approved last August took place on 26 November. Most voters, however, boycotted the elections, with turnout estimated at only between 15-20%. Divisions within the main opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change, MDC, probably contributed to the low turnout. In the meantime, peaceful civil and trade union demonstrations continue to be suppressed. The Mugabe government has also begun identifying and confiscating the passports of those whom it regards as critics of the regime, following another constitutional amendment approved by the Zimbabwean parliament also August.

It is clear that international pressure needs to be maintained on the Mugabe government to alter its current policies. The Government, in co-operation with our EU partners, will continue to do this. We also consistently urge African partners, and organisations such as the African Union, to use what influence they have on the Mugabe government.