Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 109: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the top 10 locations worldwide currently suffering from starvation, strife and human rights abuses; the degree to which the EU and UN separately or together are succeeding to bring about a satisfactory resolution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17072/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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It is not the practice of the Government to classify countries in the manner suggested by the Deputy. However, it is clear that hunger, conflict and human rights abuses are prevalent in too many parts of the world and that they are frequently linked.

We recognise the essential interconnections between collective security, development, and human rights and these areas are central to our foreign policy and to the work of the UN and EU. Active participation in the UN, EU, OSCE and Council of Europe provides an opportunity for Ireland to voice its concerns on these areas. Through these organisations, international pressure can be brought to bear on those responsible for violation of human rights in all their forms. The UN has primary responsibility for resolving threats to international peace and security, but the EU is also working to develop its capacity to promote stability and conflict resolution as indicated, for example, by the ESDP missions in Chad and Kosovo. In relation to alleviating hunger, the lead role is played by the World Food Programme of the United Nations, with support from many other actors, notably the EU's ECHO (European Community Humanitarian aid Office) programme. The recent sharp rise in food costs poses an additional threat.

Overall, while good progress has been registered in certain regions, many serious issues, whether related to hunger, human rights abuses or conflict, remain for the international community to address.