Written answers

Tuesday, 11 October 2016

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Syrian Conflict

Photo of Seán CroweSeán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

286. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been brought to the huge devastation and violence in Aleppo and the fact that the fighting has created a huge humanitarian crisis; the actions being taken by his Department to assist efforts to end the violence and to assist the civilians affected. [29363/16]

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

I addressed the House on this question last week. However, there have been further important developments since then, in particular a proposed resolution at the UN Security Council which sought to restore with immediate effect a cessation of hostilities, permit unimpeded humanitarian access, renew a political process to end the Syrian conflict, and immediately end all aerial bombardment and military flights in Aleppo.

Ireland, along with all our EU partners co-sponsored this resolution.

I deeply regret the Russia chose to veto this resolution. Russia has chosen on 5 times to use its veto to prevent UN action to protect the population of Syria. I believe that Russia’s actions put the Syrian people in danger from further military action by the Assad regime and grant impunity to those committing war crimes in Syria. I urge Russia to change its stance and fulfil its obligations as a permanent member of the Security Council to uphold international law and the principles of the UN Charter.

From the outset, Ireland has been clear that we believe that this is a crisis of political legitimacy and that only a political solution will be viable and sustainable. We are clear that this must be “Syrian-owned and Syrian-led”. We have also been consistent in condemning the pattern of systematic violence against civilians, in which 100,000s have been killed and millions more wounded or forced to flee violence and terrorism. We have called for the protection of all civilians from military force and terrorism and the unimpeded provision of humanitarian assistance to populations in need and full accountability on behalf of the victims of crimes under international law.

It is clear from a wide range of reports that the Assad regime has been overwhelmingly responsible for the deaths of Syrians since the beginning of the uprising in March 2011. The Commission of Inquiry established by UN Human Rights Council has reported findings of evidence that the Assad regime may have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity. The excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate use of military force against the besieged population of Aleppo are clear violations of international law.

Ireland’s concerns have been directly conveyed in the clearest terms to the Russian authorities at my direction. On behalf of the Irish people, I urge Russia to use all its influence in Syria to end these inhumane actions against a defenceless civilian population.

Ireland has repeatedly called for the situation in Syria to be referred to the International Criminal Court. The suffering of the besieged population in Aleppo underline both the urgency and importance of ensuring accountability for those responsible for these actions.

The attacks have rightly appalled people across Ireland and around the world. I want to acknowledge the important stand taken by Irish people in supporting NGOs working to assist the Syrian people.

As a Government we have placed huge emphasis on doing what we can to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people, through provision of humanitarian aid. Last week, I approved €1.5 million for the ICRC for their work inside Syria and €1 million to UNWRA for Palestinian refugees affected by the Syria crisis which, combined with our recent disbursement of €5M to the Turkey Refugee Facility, brings our total contribution to the Syrian crisis to €62M since 2012.

I will be discussing the situation in Syria with my EU colleagues at the next Foreign Affairs Council, and focusing in particular on how to support the EU’s Humanitarian Initiative on Aleppo.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.