Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 773: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures taken, proposed or adopted at EU or UN level to address the ongoing problems of war, famine, violation of human rights and genocide in each of the African countries affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2416/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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With the terrible situations in Zimbabwe, Sudan, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) foremost in our minds, the task of finding durable solutions to the problems of conflict, hunger and human rights abuses in Africa is one of the most pressing facing the EU and the UN. Poverty, inequality and exclusion are 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. In recognising the inter-related nature of these problems, the EU and the UN have formulated policies towards Africa that have at their core poverty reduction, good governance and the promotion of peace.

The EU has made human rights and democracy a central aspect of its external action, in its political dialogue with African countries under the Cotonou Agreement, through its development assistance programmes, and through targeted funding for human rights and democracy projects. Participation in UN and other multilateral fora, such as the Human Rights Council, is an important channel for EU-Africa dialogue on human rights issues.

UN-authorised peacekeeping missions have a major role in stabilising former and current conflict zones in Africa, not least the EU-led military mission to Chad and the Central African Republic, EUFOR Tchad/RCA, in which the Irish contingent is playing a prominent role. The first EU naval mission, Operation Atalanta, is currently deployed off the coast of Somalia to tackle piracy, and as a result, enough food aid for one million people has been delivered safely to Somali ports. The EU and the UN strongly support, both financially and politically, many peace mediation efforts in Africa, notably in Darfur and in the Great Lakes region.

The development deficit in Africa requires concerted action and long-term solutions, and, in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the UN, EU and African governments have signed up to an ambitious programme. The EU is Africa's largest donor, providing more than 50% of development aid to the continent. Africa is, of course, at the heart of Ireland's programme of development assistance. Recognising that famine and conflict are more likely where political and administrative systems are weak, Irish Aid supports specific actions to promote political stability, and good governance. The eradication of hunger is a cornerstone of Irish Aid's strategy, and the Government has recently announced the appointment of a Special Envoy for Hunger.

EU and UN efforts cannot, alone, find enduring solutions to African problems. Lasting peace and prosperity will require African initiative and responsibility, and in this respect the African Union represents an important partner for the EU and the UN. The EU has supported the development of African-led peacekeeping in Darfur and elsewhere through its African Peace Facility. Peace, governance and development were among the themes discussed by European and African leaders at the EU-Africa Summit in 2007, when they agreed a comprehensive EU-Africa Strategy to address these and other challenges.

The problems facing Africa can seem insurmountable. But this would be an inaccurate and unjust portrayal of the continent. Many African economies are growing. The work of the International Criminal Court marks a real effort to end impunity for war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity. There are exceptions, but many African countries are now experiencing less conflict than has been the case for many years. There is relative peace in Sierra Leone, Burundi, Liberia and Angola, although international engagement remains crucial. Ireland, the EU and the UN are dedicated to combating hunger, conflict and human rights abuses, and together we continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of Africans.