Written answers

Tuesday, 16 July 2013

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Human Rights Issues

Photo of Maureen O'SullivanMaureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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173. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if missions to Burma are being refused entry to Rohingya IDP camp; the way they can address the human rights issues of the Rohingya persons; if he will outline what Ireland has been doing at U.N. level on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35489/13]

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I refer the Deputy to the reply to PQ33029 of 9 July outlining recent decisions taken by the EU in relation to Myanmar/ Burma. Myanmar/Burma is continuing to undergo a process of long-awaited transformation. Ireland and our EU partners recognise that significant progress has been made, but that complex challenges remain. We continue to urge the Government of Myanmar/Burma to address these challenges, particularly issues in regards to the Rohingya minority, through the relevant bilateral and multilateral channels. At the 22nd session of UN Human Rights Council in March, Ireland supported an EU-led resolution which highlighted a number of human rights issues in Myanmar/Burma requiring action, including extending the mandate of the special rapporteur, and invited the Government to set a timetable for the opening of an OHCHR country office.

At the 23rd session of the UN Human Rights Council in May/June, Ireland and our fellow council members adopted a Presidential Statement regarding the Situation for Muslims in Myanmar/Burma. Human Rights Council members expressed deep concern at the gross violations of human rights against Muslims, including the Rohingya community, and urged the government there to grant full citizenship rights to the Rohingya in Rakhine, and review the 1982 citizenship law.

Ireland stands ready to share its experiences and to assist the process of democratisation in Myanmar/Burma. Together with our EU colleagues, we want to continue to encourage the government in Myanmar/Burma to continue on its path of democratisation and reform and to address further issues of concern.

Photo of Seán CroweSeán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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174. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the huge peaceful protests organised by agrarian unions in north-eastern Colombia; that they are protesting against the appalling security situation and the socio-economic conditions that prevail there; that the Colombian Government's response has been brutal, scores of peasant farmers have been seriously wounded by the authorities, and four persons are reported dead; and if he will raise the issue with the Colombian authorities. [35500/13]

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I am following closely the situation in north-eastern Colombia. I understand that this is an area of social and economic under-development, where the presence of illegal armed groups and a high level of militarisation also contribute to tensions. Recent protests in this area have, most regrettably, resulted in clashes between protestors and Colombia’s security forces and these have led to injuries and to the tragic loss of four lives. At my request, officials have raised these events with the Colombian authorities and are also in touch with the European External Action Service. The challenging socio-economic conditions faced by local communities in this region are serious and need attention. Progress on these issues can best be made in a context of peace and trust. I understand that while there has been some dialogue on issues of concern, tensions remain high. In my view, it is important that citizens who engage peacefully in the political and social developments of their society can do so without fear of risks to their personal security. It is also, of course, important that all parties operate within the rule of law. I urge all involved to address issues of insecurity so as to foster conditions for peace and sustainable development.

Together with our partners in the EU, Ireland will continue to support activities in Colombia that promote peace, truth, justice, reparation and reconciliation.

Photo of Patrick NultyPatrick Nulty (Dublin West, Independent)
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175. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will continue to raise the allegations of forced organ harvesting in China directly with his counterparts in the Chinese Government, and at European Union level; if he will examine the need for legislation, at national and European Union level; if he will prohibit the trafficking and use of such organs in the State and in the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35525/13]

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The Government follows closely reports of human rights violations against Falun Gong practitioners, including reported cases of organ harvesting, and is concerned about the situation. Human rights issues, including the treatment of Falun Gong practitioners, are issues discussed regularly with the Chinese authorities during both bilateral and multilateral meetings. Through the formal framework of the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue, which was established in 1995, the EU continues to share with China its experience in the field of human rights protection and promotion, and to urge China to take clear steps to improve the human rights situation. The latest session of this dialogue took place on 25 June 2013 and provided the EU with the opportunity to express its concerns about a wide range of human rights issues in China, including the treatment of ethnic and religious minorities, deprivation of liberty, and criminal and administrative punishment. At this meeting, the EU also asked about measures taken so far by China to ratify the International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights, signed in 1998 in view of China’s undertaking made during the 2009 Universal Periodic Review (UPR) to ratify the Covenant at an early date.

In February 2013, officials from my Department met with representatives of the Irish Falun Dafa Association. During this meeting the Irish Falun Dafa Association discussed the issue of organ harvesting and ways in which human rights issues are raised with Chinese authorities by both Ireland and the EU.

Officials in my Department met again with representatives of the Falun Dafa Association and human rights lawyers on 9 July regarding the issue of organ harvesting.

In relation to measures taken to ensure no Irish company, organisation or individual becomes involved in the mistreatment of Falun Gong practitioners, a Common Position adopted by the European Council in 2008 outlines that Member States shall deny an export licence if there is a clear risk that military technology or equipment to be exported might be used for internal repression.

Ireland, together with our EU partners, will continue to address human rights issues with China, including those related to the Falun Gong, in frequent and regular dialogue, through our contacts in both Dublin and Beijing and through the relevant multilateral channels, including at the United Nations Universal Periodic Review of human rights in China, scheduled for October 2013.

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