Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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59. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which the international community has specifically engaged with the opposing factions in Southern Sudan with particular reference to the urgent need to protect the civilian population; if any specific initiatives are being taken in this regard in recent times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8575/14]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The East African regional grouping, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), has led mediation efforts between the two parties to the conflict in South Sudan. IGAD brokered a ceasefire last month and is currently mediating a second round of peace talks focused on resolving political differences between the parties.

The EU strongly supports the role being played by IGAD in mediating the ceasefire and peace talks. IGAD negotiators have been unstinting in their efforts to chart a new political part for South Sudan, and the EU stands ready to assist in practical ways requested by the negotiation team. The EU, through its Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, is also closely monitoring the peace efforts.

In accordance with international humanitarian law, all parties to the conflict have the responsibility to protect civilians. All those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law must be accountable for their actions. Ireland, and our EU Partners, welcome the African Union’s commitment to establish a Commission of Inquiry to investigate human rights abuses. The Commission of Inquiry will be an essential part of the process of reconciliation, and I hope that it will be in a position to commence its work shortly.

In response to the outbreak of violence, the UN has also strengthened the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan to ensure the protection of civilians and the strengthening of its human rights investigative capacity.