Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

50. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his assessment of the current situation in Belarus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47056/21]

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

I am deeply disturbed by the ongoing repression of the people of Belarus.

Alexander Lukashenko’s regime has committed and continues to commit serious violations against its own people. The human rights situation in Belarus is appalling. There are over 650 political prisoners in the country, with reported use of torture and sexual assault of detainees. State violence against protesters has extinguished public displays of opposition. Freedom of media has been greatly restricted by the closure of various independent news outlets.

In response to EU sanctions and support for Belarusian civil society, the Lukashenko regime has weaponised the use of migration against EU borders. Since mid-May Belarusian State entities have been actively transporting migrants, who arrived in Minsk on direct flights from Baghdad or Istanbul, to the borders of Lithuania, Latvia and Poland. Migrants who have been declined entry into the EU but who are not allowed to return to Belarus are effectively ‘stuck’ at the border. 

The Lukashenko regime must cease the instrumentalisation and abuse of the plight of migrants and refugees. Together with our EU partners, Ireland is continuing to press Lukashenko’s regime to cease the repression of the Belarusian people, release political prisoners, and ensure the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as respect for democratic principles. We remain, with our EU partners, firm and united in response to Lukashenko’s provocations.

Ireland supports a sustainable, democratic and peaceful resolution of the current crisis. Our focus remains on seeking such a resolution that leads to fresh elections that are free, fair and independently monitored. We will continue to encourage the regime to begin a meaningful national dialogue with the Belarusian people.