Written answers

Tuesday, 16 January 2018

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Human Rights Cases

Photo of Seán CroweSeán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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165. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the killing of a person (details supplied) in northern Peru on 30 December 2017; his plans to ensure Ireland supports efforts to protect human rights defenders and political activists in the country in view of the fact that Ireland recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Peru; and if he will raise this case with his Peruvian counterpart. [1664/18]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers and my condolences are with the family of the victim. Such violence is entirely unacceptable, and I urge the Government of Peru to fully investigate the case and bring the perpetrators of this violence to justice.Ireland is committed to supporting the advancement of human rights in Peru. Most recently, Ireland used the occasion of the 28th Session of the Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on 8 November, 2017, to express its concern in relation to harassment, intimidation and attacks against human rights defenders in Peru. Ireland also noted the great dangers faced by those working to advance environmental rights, in particular.

Ireland’s statement also said that Peru should take further steps to foster a safe, respectful, enabling space for civil society, and introduce a comprehensive public policy recognising the role of human rights defenders. It should provide mechanisms for their effective protection, and conduct thorough and impartial investigations into all cases of attacks, harassment and intimidation committed against them.

Ireland’s statement on Peru at the Human Rights Council is available for review on the Department’s website:

A memorandum of understanding establishing a mechanism for political consultations to take place between Ireland and Peru was signed in February 2017. Ireland-Peru political consultations, coupled with the EU-Peru Human Rights Dialogue, the procedures of formalisation for which were also finalised in February 2017, will provide a constructive framework in which a better understanding and exchange of best practices on shared values regarding human rights can be developed.

The Government remains committed to raising issues relating to the protection and defence of human rights in Peru both at EU and UN level.

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