Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

33. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he will take in view of reports that the LGBT community are being targeted in Tanzania; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46309/18]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Ireland’s Foreign Policy, as outlined in the “Global Island”, is clear on this issue stating that: “We are committed to promoting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) individuals, who continue to suffer disproportionate levels of violence and face systemic discrimination in many countries.” This sets a context for the Government’s deep concern arising from statements by the Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner last week, which targeted members of the LGBTI+ community. There is no situation in which a person’s fundamental human rights should be prejudiced because of their sexual orientation.

The Tánaiste wrote immediately to the Foreign Minister of Tanzania, Mr. Augustine Mahiga, calling on the Tanzanian government to disown the Regional Commissioner’s actions and ensure the protection of LGBTI+ people in line with Tanzania’s national and international human rights commitments.

Minister Mahiga has since issued a formal statement, distancing his government from the Regional Commissioner’s comments and reiterating Tanzania’s commitment to uphold its international human rights obligations.

The Embassy of Ireland to Tanzania is actively monitoring and reporting on the situation of the LBGTI+ community. Together with other EU missions, the Embassy of Ireland continues to play an active role in the promotion of human rights in Tanzania.