Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

171. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Government is considering making resources available, be it financial, staffing or otherwise, to the investigation team in view of the passing of UN resolution 2379 on 21 September 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45047/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

UN Security Council Resolution 2379 (2017) concerns the creation of an independent Investigative Team, headed by a Special Adviser with the objective of collecting, preserving, and storing evidence of acts of Da’esh in Iraq that may amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. This evidence is then intended for eventual use in fair and independent criminal proceedings, consistent with applicable international law, conducted by competent national-level courts.

In relation to financial resources, the resolution envisages the establishment of a trust fund to receive voluntary contributions to create and operationalise this Investigative Team. The resolution has the support of the Iraqi authorities and its objectives tie in with the principles of our bilateral and EU humanitarian assistance programmes in Iraq. It also fits with the aims of the Global Coalition against Da’esh, of which Ireland is a member. A future contribution to the fund is something that may be considered in due course, in the context of our support for advancing the rule of law in Iraq.

Since 2012 Ireland has provided just over €8.36 million in humanitarian assistance to Iraq, with just over €2.09 million having been allocated in 2017. As part of Ireland’s response to the Syria crisis, funding of €338,400 has also been provided to Concern for Syrian refugees in Iraq and vulnerable host communities.

Through our annual contributions to EU Institutions, Ireland also supports the EU’s humanitarian response in Iraq which consists of an integrated, multi-sector life-saving response to the most vulnerable groups, including food, health care, water, sanitation and hygiene as well as protection, shelter and education in emergencies. Since 2012, Ireland has also deployed four members of its Rapid Response Corps to Iraq to provide surge capacity to UN organisations working to respond to the humanitarian crisis.