Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

110. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will request his Department to engage with the National Unity Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar on issues regarding the military junta’s crimes and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33054/22]

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

112. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on whether as a member of the United Nations Security Council, Ireland must not ignore the continuous human rights abuses being carried out daily by the military junta in Myanmar; if he will ensure that the ongoing crisis in Myanmar is brought before the United Nations Security Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33056/22]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 112 together.

Ireland remains gravely concerned at the deteriorating security, human rights and humanitarian situation in Myanmar and recognises the need for a unified international response to ensure an end to the crisis. Ireland is actively engaged on Myanmar in our role as an elected member of the Security Council, including by calling on the military and all parties for an urgent end to violence, full respect for human rights and compliance with international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law. At a private meeting of the United Nations Security Council on 27 May, the 9th such meeting since the crisis began, Ireland reiterated our grave concern at the situation, particularly violence against civilians and the ongoing brutality of the Tatmadaw. Ireland will continue to call for regular discussions at the Security Council on Myanmar. We also support the role of regional partners including ASEAN, ASEAN’s Special Envoy and the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary General, and we urge the prompt implementation of ASEAN’s five-point consensus

Ireland’s practice is to recognise states and not governments. We do not therefore recognise specific governments in Myanmar or elsewhere.

Reflecting our core values, Ireland is committed to promoting a fair, just and more secure world. In contexts of conflict, we underline the importance of inclusion and engagement of key stakeholders in negotiating acceptable and sustainable solutions. Ireland acknowledges the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) and the National Unity Government (NUG) as important stakeholders in Myanmar’s future, and encourages their involvement in discussions and negotiations to resolve the current crisis. Ireland has engaged with the NUG at official level from Ireland, through our Embassies in Bangkok and London, and via the Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations in New York.

Ireland stands with the people of Myanmar and will continue to work actively within the European Union, the United Nations, including through membership of the United Nations Security Council to support the people of Myanmar. We reiterate that the democratic will of the people must be respected and call for the immediate restoration of legitimate, civilian government.

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

111. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will take actions to stop the executions of four political prisoners (details supplied) who are prominent activists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33055/22]

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

Ireland is unequivocal in its stance against the death penalty and the abolition of capital punishment is one of Ireland’s international priorities. I am gravely concerned by the passing of death sentences on a number of those arrested for peaceful protest and support for democracy in Myanmar. I understand that 114 people have been sentenced to death, primarily by military courts, without the possibility of appeal. On 13 June, Ireland addressed this issue at a meeting of the United Nations General Assembly with the UN Secretary General's Special Envoy for Myanmar, expressing our abhorrence at this action, and reiterating our call for the immediate release of all political prisoners and all those arbitrarily detained in Myanmar. The EU also spoke at that session, calling on the Myanmar de factoauthorities to apply the moratorium on executions observed since 1988. In particular, the EU called on thede factoMyanmar authorities not to carry out the death sentences announced last week, to which the Deputy is referring. At a private meeting of the United Nations Security Council on 27 May, Ireland reiterated our grave concern at the deteriorating security, human rights and humanitarian situation in Myanmar, particularly violence against civilians and the ongoing brutality of the Tatmadaw.

As I have outlined in my previous statements on this matter, the election results of November 2020 and the sustained, large-scale popular opposition to the coup since 1 February demonstrate that the military have no mandate to govern Myanmar. The people of Myanmar have been resolute in rejecting the military coup. General Min Aung Hlaing’s self-appointment as Prime Minister is a clear attempt to normalise his position and does not reflect the democratic will of the people of Myanmar. Ireland has had no engagement or bilateral meeting with the Myanmar military.

We will continue to work with our partners in the EU, in the region, and in the context of our United Nations Security Council membership to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis, to consider further actions to restore the democratic path in Myanmar, and to protect the people of Myanmar.