Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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13. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of the violence in Burundi which erupted in April 2015 when President Pierre Nkurunziza decided to seek a third term; if he is aware that the United Nations states that at least 240 persons have been killed since then and there have been widespread reports of serious human rights violations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45391/15]

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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I am deeply concerned about the ongoing violence and human rights violations in Burundi.

The decision of the President to seek a third term in office prompted widespread public protest and an attempted coup in May 2015. The Burundian Government responded with extremely repressive measures, including extra-judicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and restrictions on freedom of expression. Among those killed have been prominent members of the opposition and human rights activists. 230,000 people have fled to neighbouring countries.

In an escalation of the violence, it is reported that 87 people were killed following attacks on three military bases in the capital, Bujumbura, last week. Some of the victims appear to have been shot in reprisals carried out by the security forces.

While Uganda has been leading mediation efforts on behalf of the East African Community, the process of agreeing inclusive talks amongst the stakeholders has made little progress, with daily killings still reported in the capital, Bujumbura.

Ireland has joined the international community in strongly condemning the ongoing violence, and urging all involved to commence inclusive dialogue immediately. EU Foreign Ministers adopted Council Conclusions on the crisis, and the EU has imposed sanctions on certain individuals in Burundi. A UN Security Council Resolution, adopted in November, condemns the extra-judicial killings and arbitrary detentions, and urges the Government to engage fully in the mediation process.

Ireland has supported a number of civil society organisations in Burundi through our overseas aid programme, Irish Aid. We are also providing emergency assistance to Burundian refugees in neighbouring countries. I am keeping the situation under review in the light of developments.