Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 59: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on a resolution on human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity at the UN. (details supplied). [16772/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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On Friday, 17 June 2011, a resolution on Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity was adopted by vote at the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council in Geneva. I welcome this historic development, which is the first time that a UN resolution has explicitly acknowledged human rights protection as covering sexual orientation.

This resolution was adopted with 23 votes in favour, 19 against, and 3 abstentions. While Ireland is not currently a member of the Human Rights Council and as a result did not have a vote, we were supportive of the initiative and co-sponsored the resolution.

The resolution demonstrates the increasing commitment across the international community to the promotion and protection of the human rights of all persons, irrespective of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

This resolution also builds upon previous initiatives at the United Nations. In March 2011, at the 16th Session of the Human Rights Council, Ireland actively supported a Joint Statement on behalf of 85 countries from every continent entitled 'Ending acts of violence and related human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity'. Ireland was one of fifteen EU Member States that were part of a cross regional core group that worked to prepare the Statement in Geneva.

In December 2008, a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Statement on human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity was delivered with the support of 68 countries including Ireland and all EU Member States.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 60: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views that a resolution should be tabled at the UN to investigate the human rights violations in Sri Lanka during the civil war there particularly by the current Government at the end of the war. [16773/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question Number 16403/11. Ireland fully supports the UN Panel of Experts recommendation for the establishment of an independent international mechanism to investigate the allegations of human rights violations by both the Sri Lankan military and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in the closing stages of the war.

At European Union level, a statement by High Representative Ashton on the 10 May also called for an inquiry into the allegations of misconduct by both sides to the conflict. As we know from past experience, such an investigation could make an important contribution to building lasting peace and stability in Sri Lanka. Officials from my Department have conveyed this point to the Sri Lankan authorities and as recently as last week re-iterated this at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

The promotion of human rights is a key element of the Government's foreign policy towards Sri Lanka. Ireland played an active part in the European Union decision to suspend duty free access which was granted to Sri Lankan exports under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP plus) after the Sri Lankan Government failed to deliver written undertakings on human rights conventions dealing with torture, children's rights and political rights.

The international community can play an important role in facilitating dialogue and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. I would again urge the government in Colombo to co-operate fully with the UN and address the recommendations made by the Panel of Experts. The matter will be kept under consideration as to the most appropriate course of further action at international level.