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

I am aware of the situation referred to by the Deputy, and I remain very concerned about the human rights situation in Bahrain. Despite repeatedly stating its commitment to improving its human rights record, the Bahraini Government appears to be targeting those who express disagreement with or criticism of the Government. A number of worrying developments suggest an increasingly restrictive attitude to those opposing or challenging the Government in any way. Statements from the Bahraini Government on its commitment to safeguarding human rights enshrined in the Bahraini Constitution are undermined by the many examples of violations of the most fundamental freedoms which we have seen, including violations of freedom of opinion and expression.

Ireland attaches great importance to safeguarding the human rights of all prisoners. Ireland’s concerns about human rights issues and restrictions of civil liberties in Bahrain are regularly conveyed to the Bahraini authorities, including through the Bahraini Embassy in London and through Ireland’s (non-resident) Ambassador to Bahrain. Most recently, in December, officials from my Department met with officials from the Embassy of Bahrain in London, and raised Ireland’s concerns about the human rights situation in Bahrain.

Officials from my Department also raised ongoing human rights concerns with Bahrain in the context of its Universal Periodic Review, which took place in Geneva in May 2017. In advance of this review, the Irish Mission to the UN in Geneva supported an event by the Bahrain Center for Human Rights, where human rights concerns in the Kingdom were discussed. Ireland also made specific reference to Bahrain in our Item 4 (Human Rights situations that require the Council's attention) Statement at the Human Rights Council in Geneva in September 2016, expressing concern about “restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly and association aimed at silencing the voice of civil society and human rights defenders in countries including Bahrain”.

My Department will continue to monitor the human rights situation in Bahrain, and will utilise every appropriate opportunity to raise Ireland’s concerns with the Bahraini authorities.

Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

112. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the hostile approach adopted by the Argentine state towards the indigenous Mapuche people in Argentina; his plans to address matters in this regard (details supplied) with his Argentine counterpart; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7368/18]

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

I am aware of the situation of the Mapuche community in Argentina and the concerns that have been expressed as to their welfare. I am also aware of the historic and continued challenges faced by indigenous populations in many parts of Latin America.

I condemn unreservedly any intimidation, violence, or discrimination perpetrated against indigenous peoples and those seeking to defend their rights, whether in Argentina or elsewhere. I have asked officials at our Embassy in Buenos Aires to report back to me on the particular cases which the Deputy raises and to monitor developments.

In relation to the case of Mr. Maldonado, I echo the statement made by the Committee against Enforced Disappearances of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, recalling the obligation of the Argentine State to carry out an independent investigation into the circumstances of his disappearance and death, and to bring the perpetrators of any potential wrongdoing to justice.

Consistent with our commitment to the advancement of indigenous rights in Latin America, Ireland made a statement at the 28th Session of the Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on 6 November 2017 expressing concern that the implementation of legislation on human rights in Argentina remained weak in some cases, and that this implementation gap disproportionately affected vulnerable members of Argentine society, including members of indigenous communities. In that regard, Ireland recommended that Argentina develop and implement, in close consultation with civil society, a national human rights plan with clear, specific and measurable goals.

In addition to representations at multilateral level, officials of my Department meet regularly with human rights activists and civil society leaders in Latin America, including those working on indigenous rights. My Department also makes a financial contribution to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to support its work protecting and vindicating human rights in the region.

I can assure the Deputy of the ongoing engagement of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with issues affecting indigenous communities in Latin America.