Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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528. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of discussions at recent European Union Foreign Affairs Council meetings in relation to the persecution of Christians worldwide, as documented by organisations such as Church in Chains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46200/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Ireland strongly condemns all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, irrespective of where they occur or who the victims are. We attach great importance to combatting all forms of discrimination based on religion or belief and incitement to religious hatred. We firmly believe in tolerance, non-discrimination, freedom of expression, freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief. Ireland is deeply concerned by the persecution of Christians.

On 20 July 2015, the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) adopted the EU Action Plan for Human Rights and Democracy 2015-2019. The Action Plan forms part of the EU Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy which was adopted by the FAC in June 2012. Its purpose is to improve the effectiveness and consistency of the EU’s policy and commits the EU to promoting human rights in all areas of its external action. Responsibility for the implementation of the Action Plan is shared between the EEAS, European Commission and EU Member States.

Within the EU, Ireland pressed for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief to be included in the Action Plan, and this is now reflected as a stand-alone point with the following actions:

a. Ensure that freedom of religion or belief remains high on the agenda of relations with third countries, as well as in multilateral fora, in close cooperation with relevant stakeholders; promote the exchange of best practices, and deepen awareness on the various components of freedom of religion or belief at Headquarters, EU delegations and Member State embassies.

b. Encourage and support relevant partner countries and other stakeholders’ initiatives on freedom of religion or belief in particular those aimed at protecting and promoting the rights of persons belonging to religious minorities, enabling them to manifest their religion or belief without fear of violence, discrimination, political pressure, censorship or persecution.

c. Promote inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue and the role of religious and other leaders in ensuring freedom of religion or belief.

The Action Plan will strengthen the EU’s co-ordinated response to persecution based on religion or belief throughout the world.

Ireland works within and alongside the EU to address the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities, notably with the EU Guidelines on Freedom of Religion or Belief adopted during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2013. These Guidelines provide EU officials with an overview of the legal and policy framework within which the right to freedom of religion or belief is protected. They also elaborate an EU strategy on how to engage with third countries on the right to freedom of religion or belief, a strategy which we hope to see bear fruit as we assess the implementation of the Guidelines.

Ireland and the EU consistently press for effective action to counter the persecution of minorities in all relevant international fora, including at the United Nations General Assembly and the United Nations Human Rights Council, of which Ireland is a member until the end of this month. Ireland reiterated its commitment to defending the right to freedom of religion or belief during a UN Security Council debate on the victims of attacks and abuses on ethnic or religious grounds in the Middle East, on 27 March 2015. I personally highlighted the alarming rise in attacks on Christians when I addressed the UN General Assembly in New York on 1 October 2015 and the UN Human Rights Council at its 28th session on 4 March 2015. I also raised it during my meetings with the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, in September 2014 and May 2015.

The issue of freedom of religion was raised by the EU at the most recent EU-China Human Rights Dialogue in Beijing on 30 November 2015.

On 22 October at the Third Committee at the United Nations General Assembly Ireland presented a statement specifically addressing the importance of freedom of religion or belief at an Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Professor Heiner Bielefeldt. The statement can be found on the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at the following address:

Ireland was also active in the negotiation of the EU led draft resolution on Freedom of Religion or Belief in the Third Committee.

Ireland will continue to raise the issue of the persecution of Christians through its official bilateral contacts with the countries in question, stressing the responsibility of the government to protect all citizens and minorities, irrespective of their religion or belief. I am glad to note that my Department maintains close contact with non-governmental organisations which have a particular interest in issues relating to persecution of religious minorities.

Our concerns about the treatment of some Christians in Iran were conveyed to the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister during consultations at senior diplomatic level in Dublin in January, and I also raised the issue myself with the Speaker of the Majlis during his visit in June.

In relation to Nigeria, Ireland, along with our EU and UN partners has consistently condemned the brutal activities of Boko Haram which represent a serious threat to the peace and security of Nigeria, and the wider region, including Cameroon, Chad and Niger. They also involve the clear and persistent abuse of human rights, especially of women and girls, and a direct threat to education and education facilities. Ireland is providing direct support of nearly €1.4 million this year to address the humanitarian needs of those affected by Boko Haram terrorism, including Nigerian refugees in Northern Cameroon. Along with our EU and UN partners, Ireland has commended the operationalisation of a Multinational Joint Taskforce involving troops from Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Benin. This Taskforce aims to protect innocent people and to prevent the further spread of Boko Haram terrorism.

I can assure the Deputy that Ireland will continue to actively support freedom of religion or belief across our foreign policy.