Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 150: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which he has initiated at EU and UN level procedures to address the issue of ongoing human rights abuses, genocide, ethnic cleansing and terrorism at the various locations on the continent of Africa that have suffered from such experiences in the past number of years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16114/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Tackling human rights abuses, genocide, ethnic cleansing and terrorism in Africa are among the most important tasks facing the international community in the 21st century. These problems have many causes and manifestations, but poverty, inequality and lack of opportunity have all played a significant role. The risk of such abuses is greatest where political, economic and administrative systems are weak. Ireland is committed to addressing these underlying problems. In our dialogue with partners in the EU and the UN, Ireland is a strong advocate for the developing world and for international peace, human rights and tolerance. Africa is, of course, at the heart of Ireland's programme of official development assistance.

Ireland has played a committed and active part in the EU's efforts to address these problems on the continent of Africa. The EU is the largest donor of development aid in the world, and its development approach to Africa works to address the root causes of instability. The EU's regular political dialogue with African states provides a forum for human rights issues to be raised where necessary. The EU-Africa Strategy, agreed at the Lisbon Summit in 2007, has as fundamental objectives the promotion of peace, security and human rights on the continent of Africa, and the development of strong international responses to concerns such as human rights abuses and terrorism. It commits the EU and African states to ensure that the most serious crimes, including genocide, do not go unpunished. The EU is also a strong supporter of African peacekeeping, and is committed to assisting the development of African capabilities in this area through the African Peace Facility.

The work of the UN in addressing the root causes of human rights abuses, genocide and terrorism in Africa is also strongly supported by Ireland. UN peacekeeping missions in Africa have a major role in stabilising former and current conflict zones where such abuses have been all too frequent. Members of the Irish Defence Forces have participated in numerous UN peacekeeping missions in Africa, including in the Congo, Eritrea, Liberia and currently in Chad. The UN Human Rights Council provides an important forum for human rights abuses to be highlighted and addressed. UN agencies play a vitally important role in bringing development and humanitarian aid to various parts of Africa, and Ireland as a donor gives significant support to their work. Ireland has also been a consistent and strong supporter of the International Criminal Court, a key part of the international community's efforts to ensure that serious crimes, including genocide, do not go unpunished.

In developing a sustainable approach which properly addresses the root causes of human rights abuses, genocide and terrorism, African leadership and responsibility are crucial. This is recognised by the EU and UN, which are both working to build the capacities of African states and the African Union to respond to these challenges. Ireland is committed to playing its part in this work, and I believe that our comprehensive and inclusive approach to the challenges of poverty, conflict and security stands the best chance of facilitating real and positive change in the lives of millions of people in Africa.