Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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206. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the recent atrocities inflicted on gay men in Chechnya as outlined in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20903/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of alarming reports by international human rights organisations and in the media of a campaign of abduction, abuse and ill-treatment of men in the Chechen Republic on the basis of their sexual orientation. If confirmed, these actions would amount to serious violations of fundamental human rights.

In a statement delivered to the Seanad on my behalf by Minister Helen McEntee on 12 April, I joined in the widespread calls for the Russian Government to urgently undertake a full and thorough investigation into these reports and to ensure that any individuals found to have committed crimes be brought to justice. I also emphasised Russia’s international obligations to ensure the safety of all persons who may be at risk of persecution. This call was reiterated by the Irish Ambassador to the Council of Europe at a meeting of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers on 19 April.

The European Union is also pressing the Russian authorities to ensure that the allegations are fully investigated and that those fleeing persecution are given full protection. The EU High Representative Federica Mogherini raised the matter during a meeting with the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on 24 April. HR Mogherini highlighted the serious concerns of the European Union and its Member states over the allegations and urged the government to take the necessary steps to ensure that the rights of the gay community in Chechyna are respected, in line with Russia’s international human rights commitments.