David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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384. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the contribution made by Ireland to the global effort to help resolve the current conflict in Tigray, Ethiopia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24126/21]

Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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I remain deeply concerned by the ongoing conflict in Tigray, which has seen many people killed, injured, and displaced, and which is feeding into instability across the Horn of Africa region.

Notwithstanding some improvement in humanitarian access, the humanitarian situation continues to be concerning, in particular the situation of internally displaced persons. There are allegations of the use of starvation as a weapon of war. I am concerned by attacks on humanitarian workers.

There are multiple, credible and harrowing reports of ongoing human rights violations, including sexual violence, in Tigray. These must cease immediately and perpetrators be held to account. The use of rape as a weapon of war is unconscionable. I strongly support the work of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, working with the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, to investigate reported atrocities. It is vital that these investigations be credible and transparent, and address the issue of sexual violence.

An immediate ceasefire is the most important step all parties can take. In this regard, it is imperative that Eritrean forces leave Tigray immediately.

Ireland continues to advocate for an effective response to the situation in Tigray, and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict through bilateral engagement, our EU membership and also at the UN Security Council.

Ireland continues to maintain the UN Security Council’s attention on Ethiopia, brokering a press statement on the situation in Tigray on 22 April - the first time the Council has spoken publicly on the crisis. We have also used the opportunities provided by Security Council thematic discussions on conflict and hunger, and on conflict-related sexual violence, to highlight these aspects of the Tigray crisis. We remain actively engaged with other Council Members on further ways to address the crisis.

We continue to support a strong and constructive EU response to the crisis, as underlined by Minister Coveney at the April Foreign Affairs Council.

Minister Coveney also continues to engage on an ongoing basis with a range of key interlocutors on the situation, including in the region, the Gulf, as well as the African Union.

My Department, through the Irish Aid programme, has to date provided over €3.2 million to support the vital humanitarian response in Tigray and the refugee response in neighbouring Sudan, through our trusted UN and NGO partners on the ground.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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385. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the level of assistance being provided by Ireland to help address the political instability and resulting humanitarian situation in Myanmar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24127/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I have strongly condemned the coup carried out by the Myanmar military, the arbitrary detention of political leaders, and the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters. The coup is a reversal of progress made towards democracy and rule of law in Myanmar that have taken years to establish. It does nothing to tackle the public health, security or economic issues faced by the people of Myanmar, and threatens to undermine efforts at restoring stability in a country affected by long-term internal conflict.

I am deeply concerned regarding the humanitarian and human rights impact of the coup. As the political crisis has grown, so too has the human cost. Tens of thousands of people have been newly displaced from renewed fighting. Meanwhile, the operating environment is becoming more restrictive for NGOs.

Ireland has development and humanitarian programmes in Myanmar and with Rohingya refuges in Bangladesh. Ireland is committed to continuing to provide assistance for the most vulnerable communities including internally displaced persons, Rohingya refugees, and people facing pre-existing challenges.

Ireland, through our Humanitarian Programme Partners (HPP) will spend more than €1.1 million responding to crisis in Myanmar in 2021. Our Emergency Response Fund Scheme (ERFS) funding was also activated in response to the fires in refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar in March 2021, with funding of €100,000 being approved

My Department continues to liaise with partners on the ground to stay abreast of the developing humanitarian situation and ensure our funding is being directed appropriately. I have also called for unhindered access for humanitarian workers to all regions.

I emphasise the importance of a united response to this crisis, in particular, we need to recognise the importance of engaging partners in the region to ensure an effective, appropriate, and sustainable outcome. Through the UN and our Embassy network, we are encouraging those who have influence on the military leadership, including countries within the region, to use it to find a political resolution to this crisis and protect the human rights of the Myanmar people.

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. We will maintain these roles during this challenging period.