Written answers

Wednesday, 15 January 2014

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Human Rights Issues

Photo of Maureen O'SullivanMaureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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43. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his response to the passing of anti-homosexual legislation in Uganda; if he will re-emphasise human rights as a development policy through the Irish Aid programme in Uganda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1073/14]

Photo of Joe CostelloJoe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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The sudden passing of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill by the Ugandan Parliament is very regrettable. It is important however to note that this Bill is a Private Members Bill which has attracted serious concerns from senior members of the Government of Uganda, who attempted to stop the Bill’s passage through Parliament. The President will have to sign the Bill before it becomes law.

The EU has issued a strongly worded statement on the matter which Ireland has fully endorsed. The implementation of this legislation will be in contravention of the principle of non-discrimination in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, both ratified by Uganda.

The Government joins with other EU member states in urging the Ugandan authorities to take all necessary action in order for the principle of non-discrimination, guaranteed in the Ugandan Constitution, to be respected in relation to sexual minorities.

Ireland’s commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights is a fundamental feature of our foreign policy and aid programme. Our new Policy for International Development One World, One Future, identifies human rights and accountability as a key priority. We will continue to express our support for all human rights activists in Uganda, in particular at this time, those working on LGBTI rights. We strongly urge the Ugandan authorities to make every effort to foster a climate of tolerance for all minorities in Uganda.

Our Embassy in Kampala, working in close cooperation with other EU Member States, will continue to monitor the situation closely and play an active and positive role in support of human rights and equality in Uganda.

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