Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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555. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which, at European Union and United Nations level, he and his colleagues, have become aware of the systematic persecution, abduction and killing of innocent women and girls, and Christians, by Boko Haram, Islamic States of Iraq and Syria, Al Shabab and associated groups; if any particular initiative will be taken in the circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15685/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The brutal activities of terrorist groups such as al Shabab, Boko Haram and ISIS involve the clear and persistent abuse of human rights, especially of women and girls, and are a direct threat to education and education facilities. The abduction just over a year ago by Boko Haram of more than 200 schoolgirls from Chibok in north-eastern Nigeriaand the recent appalling killing of more than 140 young students at Garissa University in north-eastern Kenya are not only tragic, but a challenge to fundamental elements of any free and just society.

These attacks, and similar terrorist acts in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe, target innocent, defenceless people, often in their places of education or worship. They also target our values, including the right to an education, freedom of expression, freedom of religious belief, pluralism, democracy, tolerance and human dignity.

Ireland has joined with the international community in consistently condemning the violence being perpetrated by terrorist groups such as al Shabab, Boko Haram and ISIS. We have been particularly strong advocates of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which calls for increased participation of women in peace-making and peace-building; for greater protection for women and girls in armed conflict; and for a gender perspective to be incorporated into peace-keeping and peace-building. We will continue to encourage all UN member states to fully implement this resolution so that women and girls may be better protected from the horrific effects of armed conflicts.

On 14 January, I launched Ireland's second National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (2015-2018) which renewed our commitment to tackling the dreadful impact of conflict on women and girls. The action plan is designed to ensure that a gender perspective is incorporated into Ireland’s engagement in overseas humanitarian and development aid, peace-keeping, governance, post-conflict activities and interventions, and to bolster Ireland's ongoing work on protection from and prevention of gender-based violence.