Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 229: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which the world community can address or is addressing the issues of starvation, war, ethnic cleansing and genocide on the continent of Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4181/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The reduction of poverty, hunger and conflict in Africa is one of the most important tasks of the international community in the 21st century. Conflict has many causes and many manifestations, but poverty, inequality and exclusion have proved to be the most fertile breeding grounds for violence and ethnic hatred. Most wars occur in poor countries, and the causes and effect of conflict are exacerbated by poverty.

Through our membership of the European Union and the United Nations, Ireland is a strong advocate for the developing world and for international peace and security. Addressing Africa's needs, especially the interests of the poorest and most vulnerable, necessitates comprehensive action by the international community and by African governments. In order to measure development progress and to set benchmarks, the UN set the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which were endorsed by world leaders in 2000. While the MDGs are undoubtedly ambitious, they can be reached if the affected countries themselves, the donor community, the UN and EU work together to ensure that peace and security, poverty reduction, good governance and sustainable development are the cornerstones of all our efforts in Africa.

African leadership and responsibility are crucial, and the African Union represents an important strategic partner for the European Union and the international community generally. Since 2004, the EU has supported the development of African-led peacekeeping in Darfur and elsewhere through its African Peace Facility. Peace and security, governance and developments were among the themes which European leaders discussed with their African counterparts at the EU-Africa Summit in December 2007.

Africa is at the heart of Ireland's programme of official development assistance. Irish Aid provides emergency humanitarian aid, funding for recovery, and long-term development assistance to many African countries either directly, or through our partnerships with the United Nations, the Red Cross family and Non-Governmental Organisations. In the context of an increasing aid budget as we approach the UN target of 0.7% of GNP by 2012, these interventions are being further strengthened through enhanced support at the global and country levels. The launch of the Hunger Task Force and the establishment of a Conflict Resolution Unit in my Department are clear and practical manifestations of our resolve to do more in these areas which directly affect the lives of millions throughout the developing world.

Ireland's contribution to promoting security and stability in Africa includes our contribution to UN and EU peace-support missions, including UNMEE in Ethiopia and Eritrea from 2001-2003, UNMIL in Liberia from 2003-2007, and the current EUFOR mission in Chad and the Central African Republic. In addition, we have provided support to the UN's Peace Building Fund and have been strongly supportive of the establishment of the Peace Building Commission.

The challenges facing Africa are enormous. But there is some encouraging news. Many African economies are growing. The work of the International Criminal Court marks a real effort to end impunity for war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity, though full co-operation with the ICC remains essential on the part of all who have signed the Rome Statute. While there are exceptions such as Somalia, Zimbabwe and others, many African countries now have less violence and civil strife than for many years. There is relative peace in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Angola, Uganda and southern Sudan.

I believe that Ireland's comprehensive and inclusive approach to the challenges of poverty, conflict and food insecurity stands the best chance of facilitating real and positive change in the lives of millions of people living in Africa.