Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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235. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which efforts are made to ensure the cessation of the export or provision of arms to protagonists in various war zones in which women and children are increasingly the victims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15700/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I recognise that there is a clear link between the risk of gender-based violence (GBV) and the disproportionate impact of weapons on women and girls in conflict, particularly small arms and light weapons.

Ireland is a State Party to, and strong supporter of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), which recognises the link between conventional arms transfers and gender-based violence, mandating that the risk of serious acts of gender-based violence or serious acts of violence against women and children be considered in the course of export risk assessments. Its effective implementation contributes towards eliminating violence against women and girls, as set out in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 5.2.

At the EU level, Ireland and all EU member states assess military export licence applications on a case-by-case basis against the eight criteria of the Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP of 8 December 2008 defining common rules governing control of exports of military technology and equipment. These criteria include an assessment of the end destination’s respect for international commitments; respect for human rights and international humanitarian law; and the internal political situation and preservation of regional peace, stability and security in the country of final destination.

In line with the National Action Plan for the implementation of UNSCR 1325 and related resolutions, gender analyses continue to be integrated into Ireland’s work in conflict-affected contexts and on peace and security issues, including in relation to disarmament. Ireland has continued to utilise its leadership role as co-chair of the International Gender Champions Disarmament Impact Group (DIG) to work for the increased participation of women in disarmament discussions. The full, equal and meaningful participation of women in arms control and disarmament is critical.

Ireland will continue to promote the strengthening of disarmament and arms control measures, given our firm belief that this will contribute to the reduction of GBV, among other aims.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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236. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which hostilities continue in the horn of Africa; if adequate efforts are being made to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15701/22]

Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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The Horn of Africa is undergoing significant political turmoil and conflict, as shifting regional and geopolitical dynamics intertwine with grave climate, economic, humanitarian and security challenges. Conflicts such as that in northern Ethiopia (in which Eritrean forces are also embroiled), the conflict and violence in Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan, the ongoing efforts to ensure a democratic transition in Sudan, the Sudan/Ethiopia border dispute, and tensions over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) are combining to reverse the development and peace gains of recent years.

Conflict and inter-state disputes in the region are unfolding against the background of climate-induced shocks, including the worst drought in decades. In February, the World Food Programme assessed that 13 million people in the Horn faced severe hunger. The impact of the invasion of Ukraine on food supplies has prompted revised estimates, with 20 million in Sudan alone expected to struggle with acute hunger in 2022.

Peace and stability in the Horn of Africa is a priority for Ireland, including in our role on the UN Security Council where the situations in Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan are regular agenda items. Ireland is the unofficial penholder at the Council on Ethiopia, in addition to chairing the Somalia Sanctions Committee and playing a prominent role in discussions on Sudan and South Sudan. Ireland has partnered with African members of the Council to address thematic areas of particular pertinence to the region, such as climate and security; Women Peace and Security, and conflict and hunger. Ireland has worked to ensure participation of civil society from the Horn of Africa in debates on relevant peace and security agenda items, prioritising women peacebuilders, in particular during our Presidency of the Council in September 2021.

In July 2021, Minister Coveney visited Kenya and Somalia for a series of high-level political meetings designed to inform Ireland’s work on the Council, deepen bilateral relations, and enhance collaboration on regional security challenges. Both bilaterally and through the European Union, Ireland supports the peace and security capacities and leadership of organisations such as the African Union and IGAD (the Intergovernmental Authority on Development) in tackling the region’s crises. Ireland also works closely with the Office of the EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa. At the European Union, the Human Rights Council and the United Nations more broadly, Ireland will continue to highlight the human rights and humanitarian imperatives in the Horn: only by taking a people-driven, ground-up approach to security can sustainable peace in the Horn be achieved. Between 2012 and 2021, Ireland provided over €267 million in humanitarian and development funding to the region.