Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

294. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the detention of a person (details supplied); if his Department has taken any steps to intervene in the situation; if he will condemn Christian persecution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45409/22]

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

Ireland is deeply concerned by Nicaragua's continued campaign of repression against all dissenting voices, which includes religious leaders, NGOs, human rights defenders, political opposition and independent media. I wish to assure the Deputy that we are closely monitoring reports of the recently intensified crackdown on religious leaders, including those of the Catholic Church, which are cause for serious concern, and we are gravely concerned at the by the recent detention of [this person].

Since this crackdown began, Ireland, along with our EU partners, has repeatedly urged the Nicaraguan authorities to put an end to all repression and to restore full respect for human rights, including freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief. We have also consistently reiterated calls for the release of all political prisoners, expressed grave concern over the treatment of those prisoners, and called for judicial independence and due process to be respected.

The expulsion of dozens of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) from the country, as well as the expulsion of international human rights bodies and the Organisation of American States, constitute further examples of Nicaragua’s backsliding on human rights and its withdrawal from the global rules-based order. We have called on the Nicaraguan authorities to re-engage with these bodies.

At the recent 51st session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Ireland made clear once again to the Nicaraguan authorities its concern over the above-mentioned issues, highlighting in its national statement the repression of all dissenting voices, including religious leaders, and calling on the authorities to restore respect for freedom of religion or belief. The same calls were reiterated in the EU's statement on Nicaragua during the same session.

Ireland fully supports the EU sanctions in place on various individuals and entities that are responsible for serious human rights violations in Nicaragua. Ireland is prepared to support any additional EU measures that are aimed at supporting democratic norms and human rights in Nicaragua and that do not impact negatively on the population.

Reflecting the solidarity of the Irish people with the people of Nicaragua, Ireland provided just under €12 million in funding between 2012 and 2021. This funding focused on the areas of governance and human rights, gender equality, food security, nutrition and environmental sustainability, and was channelled through Irish NGOs. Given the hostile situation towards NGOs in Nicaragua, discussions with partners in relation to the appropriate channelling of bilateral funding for 2022 are ongoing; funding is likely to target access to, and sustainable use of, natural resources, and tackle gender-based violence amongst Nicaraguan migrant women who have had to flee the country. We will also continue to support EU programmes in Nicaragua that are designed to assist the Nicaraguan people.

I can assure the Deputy that we will continue working to support the people of Nicaragua however possible, through our engagement in Dublin, at EU level, and on the ground through our Embassy in Mexico, in order to support a return to democratic norms and to protection of fundamental freedoms.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

295. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the detention of a person (details supplied); if his Department has taken any steps to intervene in the situation; if he will condemn persecution of Christians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45410/22]

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

My Department raised the issue with Lebanese officials shortly after Archbishop El Hage was detained and has continued to monitor developments. Religious leaders can play an important role in promoting tolerance, inclusivity and religious freedom, including in Lebanon.

The general situation in Lebanon is of great concern. The devastating explosions in Beirut on 4 August 2020, the pandemic, and grain shortages following on from the invasion of Ukraine have exacerbated a severe economic crisis. I have visited Lebanon on several occasions as Minister, most recently in May, and have witnessed first-hand the scale of the challenges facing the country. We have consistently called on the political leadership in Lebanon to urgently implement necessary reforms to address these challenges.