Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 273: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress of democratic and political reform in Zimbabwe; the position regarding human rights repression in Zimbabwe and the recent arrests of leaders of the General Agricultural and Plantation Workers Union and activists from Women of Zimbabwe Arise; the efforts of his Department's representatives in Zimbabwe, which have been effective in applying pressure on human rights cases in the recent past; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11169/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The situation in Zimbabwe continues to be of great concern to the Government and to the European Union as a whole. While we have seen some improvements in the economic sphere since the formation of the unity government, this has not been matched in other crucial areas, including respect for human rights, the rule of law and security sector reform. In particular, the continued intimidation, harassment and violence directed against political activists and members of Zimbabwean civil society, including the recent incidents cited by the Deputy, are of grave concern.

In terms of finding a way forward on these issues, Zimbabwe's neighbours have a critical role to play in encouraging reform, and can bring the greatest influence to bear in achieving progress in implementing the power sharing agreement. In that regard, the summit last November of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), who are the guarantors of the Global Political Agreement (GPA), committed both parties in the unity government to enter talks on the full implementation of the GPA. This is a positive development and, with our EU partners, we will continue to support any such efforts to secure full implementation of the GPA and a unity government that delivers on the promise of reform.

Regrettably, political dialogue between the EU and Zimbabwe has stalled. The EU has repeatedly stated its willingness to re-engage with the Zimbabwean Government. Re-engagement, however, remains conditional on a willingness to pursue in good faith the agreed goals set out in the GPA. These include restoration of the rule of law, commitment to the democratic process, and respect for human rights. We will continue to monitor the situation and press all members of the inclusive government to fulfil these obligations.

In the meantime, Ireland has worked closely with our EU partners in developing a consistent approach to Zimbabwe that benefits the people of Zimbabwe, while maintaining pressure on the Government to reform. In keeping with other international donors, we do not provide funding to the Zimbabwean Government, but respond to the humanitarian needs of the Zimbabwean people through support for the work of multilateral and non-governmental organisations. In 2009, Ireland provided funding of €5.6 million to a range of humanitarian programmes in Zimbabwe, focused on food security, tackling HIV and AIDS, human rights and supporting civil society organisations that provide essential services for the population. It is vital for the future of Zimbabwe that the unity government delivers on the promise of reform, and secures for Zimbabwe's people real political freedoms, a return to the rule of law and economic development. Ireland will continue to work with our partners in the international community to encourage progress in these areas.