Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am deeply disturbed by the violence in Melilla on 24 June. I am also shocked at the tragic deaths of at least 23 migrants and injury to many other migrants, as well as to Moroccan and Spanish personnel. My thoughts and sympathies go to all those who lost loved ones and to those who sustained injuries.

I welcome that the Spanish authorities have announced an investigation into this incident. It is important that the facts of this tragedy be clearly set out in order to avoid the re-occurrence of such episodes in future. Morocco’s National Council for Human Rights (CNDH) has also established an information commission which will meet with all relevant parties and whose findings will be published in due course.

The safety of migrants and refugees, refraining from the excessive use of force and upholding their human rights in accordance with international law, including international human rights law and international refugee law, as applicable, must remain a priority for the international community. I would take this opportunity to reiterate Ireland’s commitment to the Global Compact for safe, orderly and regular Migrationand the Global Compact on Refugees. Ireland emphasised this commitment on 29 June 2022 when this incident was discussed at a meeting of the UN Security Council. At that meeting, we also welcomed the announcement that an investigation would take place and underlined the importance of the protection of migrants’ human rights.