Written answers

Wednesday, 14 October 2015

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Foreign Conflicts

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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89. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will raise the bombing of the hospital in Kunduz in Afghanistan by the armed forces of the United States of America on 3 October 2015, with a request under the Geneva Convention, and to support Médecins sans Frontières, who lost many of its staff in this bombing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35891/15]

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I deeply regret the tragic loss of life that occurred in the air strikes at the MSF hospital in Kunduz and I extend my deepest sympathies to the families of those killed and injured. The services of medical personnel from Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) in the most difficult of situations across the globe in alleviating suffering caused by armed conflict deserves the highest praise. With the tragic loss of life in the attack on the MSF hospital in Kunduz, the citizens of that city will be without vital humanitarian support and medical care.

A number of investigations are already underway. I support the call by the UN Secretary General for a thorough and impartial investigation of the events which led to this tragedy in order to ensure accountability. Medical facilities and personnel are the object of special protection under International Humanitarian Law in any armed conflict. I am aware of calls by MSF for the International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission, established pursuant to Article 90 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions, to undertake an investigation. The Commission has stated that it stands ready to undertake an investigation but can only do so based on the consent of the concerned State or States.

Separately, I have asked that officials from my Department meet with representatives of MSF Ireland this week.

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