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

316. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will formally recognise the actions of the Islamic State of Syria and Iraq against the Yazidi people as genocide, given the United Nations report citing these actions as such; his proposals to encourage the international community to recognise the genocide and to request the United Nations Security Council to refer this ongoing barbarity to the International Criminal Court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18043/16]

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

We have already welcomed the latest report by the UN Human Rights Council Commission of Inquiry into the situation in Syria in a national statement delivered in the Council earlier this month.

I want to acknowledge the authoritative and comprehensive nature of the report. The report, based on direct testimony from survivors, makes clear the horrific crimes against the Yazidi population by Daesh and finds compelling evidence for the crime of genocide. I welcome the report and its findings.

I wholeheartedly agree with the Deputy that the international community has a duty to ensure that the victims of these crimes receive justice and accountability for their suffering and loss.

In 2014 Ireland and over 50 other members of the UN co-sponsored a proposed resolution calling for referral of the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court. I repeat my regret and disappointment that this proposed resolution was vetoed by Russia and China. I believe that this latest report underlines the urgency and importance of such a referral and will engage in renewed efforts with Ireland’s international partners to pursue this action.