Written answers

Thursday, 25 February 2021

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Human Rights Cases

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

141. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the arrest and detention of numerous children as young as 12 years of age in Bahrain in recent days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10851/21]

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

The human rights situation in Bahrain remains a matter of serious concern. Although Bahrain has repeatedly stated its commitment to improving its human rights record and safeguarding human rights as enshrined in the Bahraini Constitution, we are concerned by ongoing instances of violations of fundamental freedoms, including violations of freedom of opinion and expression, as well as the targeting of human rights defenders.

I note with concern reports regarding the recent arrest and detention of children in Bahrain. Bahrain has ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Ireland urges all States to safeguard the human rights of child prisoners and detainees as set out in Articles 9 and 14 of the ICCPR and Articles 37 and 40 CRC. For example, Article 37 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child states that “The arrest, detention or imprisonment of a child shall be in conformity with the law and shall be used only as a measure of last resort and for the shortest appropriate period of time.”

Respect for human rights is an integral part of Ireland’s foreign policy and we consistently seek to raise our concerns on human rights issues through the most appropriate and effective channels. Our active participation at the UN Human Rights Council is particularly important in that regard. Ireland has raised the human rights issues in Bahrain at the Human Rights Council in the form of national statements and through support to EU Statements.

Ireland also engages on the issue of human rights in Bahrain through the European Union, including through the EU Delegation in Riyadh which is accredited to Bahrain.

Ireland will continue to monitor developments in Bahrain, and to call on the Bahraini Government to deliver on its stated commitment to make progress in relation to human rights.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.