Written answers

Wednesday, 23 June 2021

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Foreign Conflicts

Photo of John BradyJohn Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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141. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support the claims for justice of the families of the peaceful protesters killed in the Khartoum massacre on 3 June, 2019, in Sudan; if Ireland will support their claims for justice at the United Nations, if necessary by advocating for a mandate by the Security Council for the International Criminal Court to investigate the event; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33693/21]

Photo of Colm BrophyColm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Ireland strongly supports the civilian-led political transition underway in Sudan. While Sudan has made significant headway in its reform efforts, significant challenges remain, including violence in Darfur, and an economic crisis. There are also significant delays in implementing the Juba Peace Agreement (JPA) between the Transitional Government and rebel groups, including on transitional justice and accountability measures.

The events of 3 June 2019 in Khartoum were deeply alarming. Minister Coveney, at the time, issued a statement strongly condemning the use of violence and excessive force against protestors. He also condemned the use of sexual and gender based violence against protestors. The UN Security Council and the EU also denounced the violence. Senior officials from my Department met the then Sudanese Ambassador to Ireland in 2019 to express our concerns at the political situation. In 2019, officials also met with representatives of the Sudanese community in Ireland.

Ireland has taken the opportunity at several sessions of the UN Human Rights Council to condemn the violence against protestors on 3 June and to call for accountability through independent investigations.

As the two-year anniversary of the event has now passed, it is regrettable that the findings of the official investigation are still outstanding. It is imperative that all violations against protestors, including widespread reports of sexual and gender-based violence, are independently investigated and the perpetrators held accountable. Ending impunity and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice are essential steps on the road to peace in Sudan.

As a member of the UN Security Council, we are also closely monitoring events in Sudan, in particular efforts to ensure the protection of civilians. We have consistently raised the need for accountability for violations of international humanitarian and human rights law in our statements at the Council. In addition, we have encouraged the Transitional Government to prioritise the establishment and implementation of the transitional justice mechanisms and processes agreed in the JPA.

Ireland is a strong supporter of the International Criminal Court (ICC). While the ICC is central to the overall framework for international criminal justice, it is a court of last resort and States bear the primary responsibility to investigate the most serious international crimes. Referrals by the United Nations Security Council to the ICC are pursuant to Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, and must receive nine affirmative votes at the Council without one of the Five Permanent Council Members vetoing the referral.

Ireland continues to engage with our EU partners to ensure a strong and unified EU position on the situation in Sudan. Ireland is also a long-standing humanitarian donor to Sudan. Since 2012, Ireland has provided over €39 million in direct humanitarian assistance to Sudan through UN, and NGO partners. So far this year, we have provided over €4.6 million in funding.

My officials continue to actively monitor political developments and the humanitarian and human rights situation in Sudan, including through Ireland’s Embassy in Nairobi, in cooperation with the EU Delegation in Khartoum.

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