Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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137. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 778 of 26 May 2015 and 313 of 21 June 2016, and notwithstanding the ongoing democratic transition, the action that has been taken by his Department to condemn the recent violence in northern Rakhine; the status of his Department's efforts to highlight the continued human rights abuses taking place against the Rohingya in Myanmar; if the recent attacks in northern Rakhine have been raised with the government of Myanmar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40293/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As I noted in Parliamentary Question 313 on June 21 2016, the Government welcomes the democratic transition which is currently underway in Myanmar/Burma following elections in November 2015, and the positive steps that the new Government of Myanmar/Burma has taken in pursuit of peace and reconciliation, democratic reforms and economic growth.

However we are deeply concerned about the recent violence in Rakhine State. The Government is of the view that there is a pressing need for an impartial, independent investigation into allegations of human rights violations in this region, as well as the full restoration of access for humanitarian aid.

The Government regularly highlights its concerns regarding conflict in Rakhine State and the minority Rohingya people at bilateral level and in the context of our membership of the EU and the UN.

On December 9, Ireland’s Embassy in Bangkok, which is accredited to Myanmar/Burma, joined a number of likeminded diplomatic missions there in a statement which expressed serious concerns about humanitarian aid access to the region. The statement welcomed the Government of Myanmar’s agreement to allow a resumption of humanitarian assistance and initial deliveries to some villages, but expressed serious concerns about delays and urged Myanmar’s authorities to overcome the obstacles that have so far prevented a full resumption.

In relation to recent attacks against security personnel in Rakhine State and allegations of abuse in the subsequent security operations, the statement said that security forces must ensure protection of all civilians, and that the creation of an Investigation Commission offers an opportunity to investigate these incidents and allegations objectively and transparently, as well as expose acts of violence and abuse.

The third EU-Myanmar Human Rights Dialogue took place on November 22. At the meeting, the EU similarly expressed concerns about the recent security and human rights situation in northern Rakhine state, reiterating calls for an independent, credible investigation into both initial attacks and subsequent actions, as well as for the urgent re-opening of humanitarian access to the populations in need.

Ireland also supported the EU-led resolution on the situation of human rights in Myanmar/Burma at the 31st session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in March, which conveyed the HRC’s serious concerns over human rights violations in the country, including the situation in Rakhine State and particularly with respect to religious and ethnic minorities, including the Rohingya minority. Ireland also raised this issue during the review of Myanmar’s human rights record at the HRC’s Universal Periodic Review in November 2015.

In addition to these efforts, Ireland has provided development assistance and humanitarian aid to address the needs of people in Rakhine State, including the Rohingya community. Since 2014 Ireland has provided €284,000 to Plan International for interventions in the region.

The Irish Government is of the view that the underlying root causes of tensions in Rakhine State must be addressed with long-term solutions led by the Government of Myanmar/Burma. The need to guarantee respect for human rights and the rule of law for all people in Myanmar/Burma remains central to achieving this. Ireland has also called for more investment in early recovery and support for livelihood opportunities for both the Rohingya and Buddhist communities in Rakhine State.