Written answers

Tuesday, 16 April 2019

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Human Rights

Photo of Thomas ByrneThomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

82. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the diplomatic actions Ireland is taking in respect of new homophobic laws in Brunei; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17617/19]

Photo of Seán CroweSeán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

86. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to new legislation introduced in Brunei which includes punishments such as death by stoning or whipping for homosexuality; if he will condemn these new laws; and if he has raised the issue directly with the Government of Brunei. [17559/19]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 86 together.

I am aware of the recent implementation of certain measures under the Penal Code of Brunei-Darussalam which includes the potential imposition of the death penalty and corporal punishment against those engaging in consensual same-sex sexual activity. I add Ireland's voice to that of the EU and many other international partners in expressing our grave concern at these developments and call on Brunei to take urgent steps to ensure it upholds its international human rights obligations. 

Some of the punishments provided for in this criminal code amount to torture, acts of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment which are prohibited by the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, signed by Brunei-Darussalam in 2015. As well as going against the 2012 ASEAN Human Rights Declaration, these punishments may also breach Brunei's obligations as a party to the Convention of the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

In relation to the specific provisions referred to by the Deputies, Ireland is 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. In both our bilateral and multilateral engagement on human rights, Ireland focuses on ensuring individuals’ human rights and non-discrimination, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Irish Consulates and Embassies overseas cooperate closely with EU delegations and Embassies of the other EU Member States to advocate for the rights of LGBTI+ persons, including advocating for the decriminalisation of homosexuality where it exists, and against its criminalisation where this is contemplated.

Furthermore, Ireland also raises the rights of LGBTI+ individuals at international level through our work at the United Nations and the European Union as well as our engagement in regional organisations such as the Council of Europe and the OSCE.

Our diplomatic network also actively supports LGBTI+ rights by participating in Gay Pride parades and similar events across the world. 

Additionally, Ireland reaffirms its strong and unequivocal opposition to capital punishment in all circumstances and for all cases. Ireland expects Brunei-Darussalam to maintain its de facto moratorium on the use of the death penalty.

Finally, at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva we will take the opportunity of the upcoming Universal Periodic Review of Brunei-Darussalam next month to call on their Government to abide by its international and regional human rights commitments and obligations.

Photo of Thomas PringleThomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

83. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which he is addressing the negative consequences to the current cobalt rush in the Democratic Republic of Congo resulting from increased popularity of electric vehicles in developed countries; the way in which he plans to address the wide spectrum of corruption in the cobalt trade combined with abuses such as child labour at and around cobalt mine sites and links to state sanctioned violence and grand corruption; the extent to which he has incorporated the findings from a report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17477/19]

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

Ireland plays an active role in seeking to address the underlying causes of instability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in the Great Lakes sub-Region. The Embassy of Ireland in Dar Es Salaam is accredited to the DRC, and actively monitors developments there, including through regular engagement with the EU, UN and bilateral partners.  These engagements provide a forum to raise growing concern regarding the impact of cobalt mining, and the lack of transparency in the cobalt supply chain in the DRC.  My Department will continue to support efforts to insist on greater transparency in supply chains, and adherence to fundamental human rights norms.

My Department provides around €11 million annually to the DRC, which helps enable vulnerable communities to articulate their rights to access, sustainable use and management of natural resources.

My Department also actively supports the EU’s engagement in the DRC to address causes of instability.  The current European Development Programme for the DRC includes a priority to strengthen governance and the rule of law.

Ireland supports the continued and extended mandate of the MONUSCO UN Peacekeeping mission, including through the deployment of peacekeepers.  MONUSCO supports the stabilisation and strengthening of State institutions in the DRC and key governance and security reforms. Ireland has also regularly contributed to debates on the DRC at the Human Rights Council, most recently in March 2019, calling on the DRC to address concerns raised in relation to fundamental freedoms and civil society space.

A Better World, Ireland’s new policy for international development outlines the Government’s vision of a more equal, peaceful and sustainable world through interventions aimed at tacking challenges including conflict, climate change and intensifying inequality. Effective and accountable institutions, underpinned by strong governance and adherence to the rule of law, are central to upholding human rights, strengthening accountability and fighting corruption, and to the reduction of poverty.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.