Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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254. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to a situation (details supplied) in north-west Syria; the steps his Department is taking to raise this issue with Syria, within the European Union and at the United Nations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35847/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As the civil war in Syria enters its eleventh year, humanitarian needs remain extremely high. Across Syria, 13.4 million people need humanitarian assistance including more than 3 million people in the North West of the country.

Ireland fully supports the efforts of the UN, led by Special Envoy Pedersen, to bring the conflict in Syria to a sustainable conclusion. We have consistently called for the full implementation of a nationwide ceasefire, and are extremely concerned by the recent escalation of violence in Southern Idlib.

Ireland has consistently deplored attacks on civilians in Syria, including in our statements on the Security Council. Addressing the Security Council on June 25, Ireland’s Ambassador strongly condemned the recent attack on Al-Shifaa hospital in Afrin, which resulted in the killing and injury of civilians, including medical personnel and children, and the destruction of parts of the hospital.

Ireland has also co-sponsored multiple Resolutions at the United Nations Human Rights Council, most recently in March, condemning attacks on humanitarian workers and demanding that all parties to the conflict comply fully with their obligations under international law. Ireland and the EU have repeatedly condemned violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law perpetrated by the Syrian regime and others, some of which may constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity.

Ireland has supported the UN's International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism, established to gather evidence of such crimes and recognises the vital work undertaken by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria.

On the Security Council, Ireland acts with Norway as ‘co-penholder’ on the Syria Humanitarian file. In this role, we have strongly advocated for humanitarian aid to be able to reach all people in need. Ahead of the expiry of the mandate of the UN operation at Bab al-Hawa on 10 July, we are undertaking extensive engagement with all relevant parties, including Council Members, countries in the region, the UN system and civil society. As Ireland has made clear on the Security Council, the cross border operation remains a vital lifeline for millions of people in North West Syria, and we believe that it must be extended for as long as is necessary.

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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255. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the issue of the human rights violations by the government of Saudi Arabia was raised during his meeting with the Saudi Minister of State of Foreign Affairs, Adel al-Jubier, in Riyadh on 16 June 2021; his views on whether the Saudi Government is in violation of Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; and if he has contacted and discussed same with democratic Saudi political forces (details supplied). [35853/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I visited Saudi Arabia on 16 June, meeting Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, and Deputy Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir.

In both meetings, I raised Ireland's concern over human rights, including the use of the death penalty. I also raised the importance of having a frank and constructive dialogue over human rights issues, and welcomed plans to convene an EU-Saudi Arabia Human Rights dialogue.

Ireland is committed to all aspects of human rights, and encourages adherence to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in both bilateral dialogues, and in appropriate international fora.

I have not been in contact with the group referred to in the details supplied.