Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

357. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the peace agreement that was signed in August 2015 in South Sudan was discussed at recent European Union Foreign Affairs Council meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35649/15]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

358. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to raise at the next European Union Foreign Affairs Council the need for the European Union to take an active interest in supporting the implementation of the provisions of the peace agreement signed in South Sudan in August 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35650/15]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

359. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to raise at the next European Union Foreign Affairs Council the need to provide further additional humanitarian assistance to South Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35651/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 357 to 359, inclusive, together.

The Foreign Affairs Council, meeting in Brussels yesterday adopted conclusions on the situation in South Sudan, following the signature of a peace agreement in August. The Conclusions call for the early, full and effective implementation of the peace agreement and commit the European Union to stepping up our engagement in support of its implementation.

The implementation of the South Sudan Peace Agreement will be complex and challenging. The European Union will enhance its support to the peace process, including through participation in, and the provision of financial support for, the transitional institutions. A sound transitional process will be essential to rebuild the country.

The civil war which broke out in South Sudan in December 2013 resulted in the displacement of 2 million people, with evidence of murder, torture, looting and sexual violence perpetrated by both sides. The EU will work to pursue that the Commission of Inquiry reports are published and that the necessary steps to establish the Hybrid Court of South Sudan will be taken to ensure accountability for crimes committed by both sides during the conflict. Justice and accountability are crucial elements for sustainable peace and stability.

The Council Conclusions also draw attention to the disastrous humanitarian situation in South Sudan and call for full and unconditional humanitarian access. Security conditions in South Sudan remain volatile with sporadic fighting being reported across the country. More than 4 million people are suffering from acute hunger and one in three children are severely malnourished.

Since December 2013, Ireland has provided €16.7 million to support UN agencies, as well as international and national NGOs, in their life saving work in South Sudan and the region. We are committed to continuing Ireland’s support. Last week I approved an additional €2 million in humanitarian funding for South Sudan.

I am confident that this additional funding will assist in alleviating suffering in South Sudan, though I remain acutely aware that this is a humanitarian situation which we need to continue to address, together with EU and other partners, in the months and years ahead.