Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

26. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the treatment by Iran of Bahá'í citizens and members of other minorities; the steps he is taking on the issue at a diplomatic level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4469/20]

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

The human rights situation in Iran remains a matter of serious concern. This includes freedom of expression and assembly, arbitrary arrest, and torture in detention. There are concerns in particular about the treatment of religious and ethnic minorities, political activists, human rights defenders, lawyers, journalists, labour rights activists, artists and environmentalists. Human rights issues therefore continue to constitute an important part of our engagement and dialogue with Iran.

Discriminatory practices with respect to employment, education and access to other basic services, continue to affect Bahá’í and other minority groups in Iran. The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran has reported on the fact that members of minorities continue to be subjected to arbitrary arrest and detention for engaging in peaceful advocacy for their rights in Iran. Changes to the form for acquiring a national ID card in Iran this year, which have now made it impossible for followers of the Baha'i faith to obtain a new national identification card unless they renounce their religion, is deeply worrying.

Ireland continues to call strongly for the end to the persecution of members of the Bahá’í faith in Iran, including through bilateral contacts, with our EU partners and at the UN. Ireland has consistently raised the discriminatory treatment of the Bahá’ís in Iran. Most recently, at the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council, Ireland raised concerns regarding the continued discrimination against members of ethnic and religious minorities, in particular those that are not recognised under the Constitution in Iran. Ireland called on Iran to ensure full respect for its international human rights obligations and take all necessary steps to protect the rights of ethnic and religious minorities, and made particular reference to the Bahá’í community.

Bilaterally, our concerns are conveyed to the Iranian Embassy on all appropriate occasions. Moreover, in February, during political consultations in Tehran, senior officials from my Department again directly communicated our concerns regarding the human rights situation in Iran. My Department also maintains regular contact with the Irish Bahá’í community.

Ireland, along with the EU, will continue to encourage progress in relation to religious minorities in Iran and to make clear our concerns to the Iranian authorities at every appropriate opportunity.

Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independents 4 Change)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

27. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has raised concerns with the Indian Embassy regarding the killing of over 40 persons in New Delhi in February 2020; and his plans to raise this issue with his European counterparts. [4523/20]

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

I am deeply saddened by the recent violence and loss of life in New Delhi following demonstrations about the Citizenship Amendment Act. The demonstrators claim that the Act is discriminatory because, unlike other religious groups, Muslims would not benefit from the Act. I understand that the Indian Supreme Court is considering numerous petitions against the Act and that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights is seeking to submit an "amicus curiae" brief to the Court.

The promotion of human rights is a cornerstone of Ireland’s foreign policy and Ireland is committed to defending freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including the rights of persons belonging to religious minorities. The European Union aims to engage with India as a strategic partner on a broad range of issues, particularly on human rights. EU Foreign Ministers met with Foreign Minister Jaishankar in Brussels on 17 February for a wide-ranging discussion. During his visit, Minister Jaishankar also met with Members of the European Parliament and he publically defended the Citizenship Amendment Act. The European Union and India were due to hold a Summit meeting on 13 March but, unfortunately, this has been postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Our Embassy in New Delhi will continue to monitor and report on relevant developments, particularly the outcome of the Supreme Court’s deliberations.