Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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831. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has been appraised of international concern arising from persecution of Christians at various jurisdictions worldwide; if efforts are being made to promote the need for religious tolerance; the steps to be taken to address this issue and generate mutual respect between traditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41274/14]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Ireland condemns all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, irrespective of where they occur or who are the victims. Ireland is deeply concerned by the persecution of Christians.Ireland attaches great importance to combating all forms of discrimination based on religion or belief and incitement to religious hatred. We firmly believe in tolerance, non-discrimination, freedom of expression, freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief. Where possible, Ireland raises the issue of the safety of Christians through its official bilateral contacts with the countries in question, stressing the responsibility of the government to protect all citizens and minorities.

Ireland consistently promotes the need for religious tolerance, and presses for effective action to counter the persecution of minorities in all relevant international fora, including the EU and UN, in particular at the UN Human Rights Council. I highlighted the issue when I addressed the UN General Assembly in New York on 29 September. I also raised it during my meeting with UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon.

Ireland is working within the EU to address the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities, notably with the EU Guidelines on Freedom of Religion or Belief adopted during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union last year. These Guidelines provide EU officials with an overview of the legal and policy framework within which the right to freedom of religion or belief is protected. They also elaborate an EU strategy on how to engage with third countries on the right to freedom of religion or belief, a strategy which we hope to see bear fruit as we assess the implementation of the Guidelines.

I can assure the Deputy that Ireland will continue to actively support freedom of religion or belief across our foreign policy.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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832. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current position in respect of the abuse of human rights in Colombia; the extent to which this situation continues to improve; if it is expected the EU may influence progress in this regard in the context of the EU trade agreement with Colombia and Peru; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41735/14]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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While the human rights situation in Colombia remains an area of considerable concern, it is important to note that significant efforts are being made to address abuses and their causes. In recent years, the government has introduced a victims’ and land restitution law and protective measures for vulnerable persons. This improving trend has been noted in the most recent annual report of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and in the International Labour Organisation (ILO) 2014 report on Latin America.

The current peace process between the government and guerrilla forces offers further potential for an improvement in the overall human rights situation. To quote the report of the OCHCR, which commends the government for its approach to the peace process: ‘Many human rights violations linked to the internal armed conflict could be ended or greatly reduced if the progress made in the peace negotiations leads to well conceived and implemented peace accords. An end to hostilities would also create a unique opportunity to address human rights more broadly’.

Officers from the our Embassy in Mexico continue to monitor closely the human rights situation in Colombia through contacts within government, civil society and third country missions based in Bogotá. Moreover, the EU has in place a range of mechanisms to monitor the human rights situation on the ground.

The Free Trade Agreement with Colombia and Peru includes a sustainable development chapter that provides the EU with an important means to contribute to supporting positive social reforms and to the greater protection of human rights. In addition, the human rights provisions attaching to the FTA are robust by the standards of such Agreements and ultimately permit a unilateral and immediate suspension in the case of grave violations. Ireland strongly promoted the inclusion of these provisions in the agreement.

The human rights dimension has been developed further by the elaboration by the Colombian side, at the request of the European Parliament, of ‘roadmaps’ on human, labour and environmental rights. Through these provisions the EU will assist in encouraging economic and social progress and wider respect for human rights in Colombia.