Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 340: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has discussed the case of the wrongful conviction of the Innocents of Acteal in Chiapas with the Mexican authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8865/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The situation to which the Deputy refers concerns the killing of 45 people which occurred in December 1997 in Acteal, Chiapas State, Mexico, and subsequent convictions on charges of participating in the massacre. I am aware that the Mexican courts are currently considering the appeals of some of this group.

I have not raised the matter of these convictions and ongoing appeals with the Mexican authorities. However, Ireland, along with our European Union partners, monitors and regularly discusses with the Mexican authorities the human rights situation in Mexico and the fulfilment of their obligations under international law.

While Mexico has taken significant steps in promoting respect for human rights, considerable challenges remain to be addressed, in particular at state level. With our EU partners, we will continue to engage in dialogue with the Mexican authorities at both federal and state level.

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 341: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will express his concerns to the Indian Government regarding the burning of churches and homes belonging to Christians in Orissa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8866/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am deeply concerned by reports of violence against Christian minority communities in Orissa, and particularly by the events which occurred there over the Christmas period. I issued immediate instructions to our Embassy in New Delhi to raise our concerns, shared also by our EU partners, with the Indian authorities.

It is important that these events are fully investigated and addressed by the Indian authorities. The EU has made clear the importance of law enforcement agencies taking responsibility in this matter and making sure that such violence does not happen again. I welcome the fact that the Indian authorities have taken this matter seriously, and that senior Government officials have visited the Kandhamal area of Orissa and held talks with community leaders.

Human rights, including the right to religious freedom and the rights of minorities, are an important part of our dialogue and discussion with the Indian authorities. The issue of the treatment of the Christian minority in India has been the subject of regular contacts between the Irish Embassy, EU representatives in New Delhi, and the Government of India, most recently earlier this month. Representations have been made on specific issues relating to religious freedom and in the more general context of EU-India discussions on minorities under the auspices of regular EU-India discussions on human rights issues.