Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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30. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the high casualty rates among UN peacekeeping forces in Darfur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18543/14]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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UNAMID, the African Union-UN Hybrid operation in Darfur, was established on 31 July 2007 through the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1769. The core mandate of UNAMID is the protection of civilians and is also responsible for contributing to security for humanitarian assistance, monitoring and verifying implementation of agreements, assisting an inclusive political process, contributing to the promotion of human rights and the rule of law. Last year the mandate of UNAMID was extended until August 2014. Ireland does not contribute personnel to UNAMID. UNAMID is one of the largest UN missions currently deployed with over 19,000 peacekeepers. Since its deployment, 191 mission personnel have been killed, with the last recorded casualty in December 2013. Earlier this month the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2148 which expressed deep concern at the considerable deterioration of the security situation in Darfur during 2013. I share these concerns and I strongly condemn the attacks against UNAMID. I fully support the Security Council’s call on the Government of Sudan to investigate these attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The situation in Sudan and Darfur is monitored on an ongoing basis by the EU, the UN and other international partners. Ireland is working closely with our EU partners and others to ensure that, in addition to a focus on the political and security situation, priority is given by the international community to the vital issues of human rights and humanitarian access to people and communities affected by the conflict and the tension in the region.

I commend the work of the African Union and United Nations in Darfur and reiterate Ireland’s full support for the UNAMID mission.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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31. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support the millions of persons in Colombia who are being displaced, imprisoned or killed on a regular basis; if he will raise this matter at EU and UN levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18582/14]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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In keeping with Ireland’s commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, we engage on human rights issues on an on-going basis in our contacts with the Colombian Government and civil society. When I met with Colombia’s President last year, human rights issues featured prominently in our discussion. Ireland’s concerns are also raised regularly with Colombian authorities by officials of my Department.We continue to work closely with our partners in the EU to monitor and to support the progressive improvement of the human rights situation in Colombia, including through the provision of development assistance. Ireland’s concerns regarding human rights were also raised at the level of the United Nations during the 2013 Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review of Colombia.

A number of positive developments have been noted by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and others. These include the peace process with its agenda covering critical areas including rural development and political participation, the role of the National Ombudsman’s Office and the Victim’s and Land Restitution Law and other land initiatives to address vulnerability and promote positive social change.

However, there remain issues of serious concern such as the protection of human rights defenders, weaknesses in the justice system and reports of violations of human rights.

I agree with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights that many human rights violations that are linked to the internal armed conflict could end or be greatly reduced if progress in the peace negotiations leads to well conceived and implemented peace accords. A peace agreement and an end to hostilities would create significant opportunities for resources across society to be directed towards building a stable and equitable Colombia.

The peace process underway is therefore of great significance. I commend all those that are working constructively in the process and hope that their efforts will bring an end to a long conflict in Colombia that has caused much suffering.