Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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396. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the human rights issues of Honduran people in the Aguan Valley in Honduras have been addressed, as requested by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19384/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the organisation the Deputy mentions and officials from my Department have met with their representative to hear their experiences and concerns as human rights defenders in their part of Honduras. This meeting took place while we were in the process of considering our recommendations to Honduras for their Universal Periodic Review at the UN Human Rights Council. As a matter of principle, Ireland is always open to, and welcomes consultation with, civil society as part of the UPR process.

Since the establishment of the Human Rights Council in March 2006, Ireland has engaged proactively with the Universal Periodic Review process. This allows for the review of the domestic human rights records of all 193 UN Member States, based on their international human rights obligations. It is aimed at improving the human rights situation on the ground and addressing human rights violations wherever they occur. Any UN Member State can take part in the interactive dialogue, and the process enables UN Member States to raise issues and to make recommendations about the protection and promotion of human rights in the State concerned.

In the case of Honduras, Ireland made two recommendations, on legislation to protect human rights defenders, and to guarantee the protection and the effective access to justice for women who are victims of violence.

Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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397. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views that all aspects of the free trade agreement, with regard to the requirement within the agreement of human rights being monitored, is being adhered to in Colombia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19385/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Respect for human rights is an essential element of the EU Free Trade Agreement with Colombia and Peru which contains, in addition, important provisions in the area of labour rights and protection of the environment. The EU-Colombia Human Rights Dialogue is the key mechanism for engagement on human rights issues with Colombia. Through this mechanism, which addresses the subject directly with the Colombian authorities at official level, the Union engages in a structured manner across the full range of human rights issues, including as regards human rights defenders and trade unionists, land restitution, environmental and economic crimes, and the slow pace in the decrease of impunity. I believe that this policy of engagement, dialogue and scrutiny, which is ongoing, regular and structured, is the best way to promote human rights in Colombia.

As regards the related areas of labour rights and the protection of the environment, the provisions of the Free Trade Agreement are a major innovation. In particular, the Agreement establishes a mechanism for oversight and monitoring of the implementation of labour laws involving the active participation by civil society actors, and establishes an obligation of transparency and public accountability regarding initiatives that could have consequences for labour and/or the environment. This process is overseen by a Trade Committee which will review the implementation of all aspects of the Agreement, including labour, environmental, and trade issues. The second annual meeting of the Trade Committee under the EU Colombia Peru Free Trade Agreement will take place in Bogotá next month. Ireland will be represented at that meeting by our Embassy at Mexico City, which is accredited also to Colombia. At the meeting, our representatives will have an opportunity to examine the implementation of the Agreement in detail, and hear the views also of Colombia civil society organisations.

Ireland will continue to engage with the Colombian government on human rights issues both directly, during visits by the Embassy when they meet with Colombian officials, international agencies and civil society organisations engaged in human rights promotion, and through the relevant EU and international mechanisms.