Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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326. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to offer assistance to citizens of Myanmar; and the level of engagement he has had with EU counterparts on the issues in Myanmar over the past five days. [7861/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Ireland stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar and I reiterate my condemnation of the coup carried out by the Myanmar military on February 1st and the unlawful detention of political leaders including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint.

On February 11th, I called for a firm response from the international community, including sanctions that target the perpetrators of the coup. I have also outlined Ireland’s commitment to ensuring continued humanitarian support to the most vulnerable communities in Myanmar, including internally displaced persons.

My Department provides development cooperation funding to support the livelihood and resilience of vulnerable communities in Myanmar. In particular, funding support has been provided to strengthen food and nutrition security, and in response to humanitarian needs in Rakhine State. We will continue to review the situation with our implementing partners to ensure that Irish funds are utilised where they are needed most.

It is important that the authorities in Myanmar respond appropriately to these events and that people in Myanmar are free to peacefully and safely express their views. It is vitally important that the military in Myanmar exercise restraint.

I welcome the united position taken by the UN Security Council in this matter and Ireland will continue to work with our partners on the Council and with countries in the region in response to this crisis.

Ireland, the EU and other partners are urgently working together to develop an appropriate response. This was evident at the Human Rights Council where an EU and UK-led resolution was adopted unanimously at a special session of the Council on 12 February. The comprehensive Resolution addresses the many human rights issues at stake in Myanmar and calls on the Myanmar military to take action to remedy them. The consensus shown by the Human Rights Council is a significant and positive signal of accord on this issue within the international community. The EU will continue to shine a spotlight on the situation by leading a further Resolution at the forthcoming session of the Human Rights Council, which begins on 22 February. This will renew the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar.

In other fora, Ireland continues to work with EU partners and other like-minded countries in responding to the events since 1 February and is committed to ensuring that any course of action is appropriate; works to restore the democratic path in Myanmar and does not negatively impact developmental gains or exacerbate the humanitarian situation. At a political level, Myanmar will be a point of discussion at the Foreign Affairs Council next week.

Ireland, along with our EU colleagues, has been a steadfast supporter of Myanmar’s civilian and democratic transition, its peace process and national reconciliation, and its inclusive socio-economic development. These are roles we want to continue to assume during this challenging period.