Written answers

Wednesday, 18 December 2019

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Human Rights

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

106. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which he and the international community have identified the worldwide locations at which the most serious breaches of human rights have occurred and in respect of which alleviation measures are in train; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53809/19]

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

The promotion and protection of human rights remain at the core of Irish foreign policy and we continue to monitor the human rights situations in many countries across the globe.

Respect for human rights is a fundamental component of the EU's global engagment and Ireland strongly supports the work of the EU Special Representative on Human Rights, former Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore, to enhance the effectiveness and visibility of the EU's human rights policy.

Ireland also fully supports the UN mechanisms in the field of human rights, including the UN Human Rights Council, Special Procedures and the UN Human Rights Treaty Monitoring Bodies, which play a crucial role in monitoring and responding to human rights violations and abuses. We consistently and proactively engage with these mechanisms, including through the Universal Periodic Review. We are also active in other multilateral fora focused on human rights, including the Council of Europe and the OSCE, to highlight situations of concern and to call for action.

We also greatly value the role of civil society in the promotion of human rights and regularly consult with civil society organisations and human rights experts, notably through the DFAT Human Rights Committee. Many of our Embassies also integrate human rights issues into their ongoing bilateral dialogue with partner Governments, as well as providing support as appropriate to local civil society organisations and human rights defenders on the ground.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.