Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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355. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the situation in Myanmar/Burma; his further views on representations made on the matter by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4050/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I am gravely concerned by the continued deterioration of the situation in Myanmar as we approach the second anniversary of the unjustified and illegal coup carried out by the Myanmar military. Ireland has consistently condemned the coup in the strongest terms. The coup represents a devastating setback to progress made and an affront to the democratic will of the people of Myanmar.

I am deeply saddened that over 2,800 people have been killed since the coup and that almost 13,600 people remain arbitrarily detained. Ireland strongly condemns the shocking execution of four pro-democracy activists in July of last year and the ongoing politically motivated sentencing of opposition figures.

Escalating levels of violence across the country are having a devastating impact. An alarming 17 million people are now in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. Ireland will continue to provide support to those most in need and to advocate for unhindered access for humanitarian workers, free from political interference.  Since the outbreak of the coup Ireland has provided €5.44 million in humanitarian aid and civil society support, including in support of the Rohingya response. 

Ireland continues to be vocal in calling for an end to violence and in seeking a resolution to the crisis.  Ireland proactively supported the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2669 on 21 December last, during our final days on the Security Council.  The Resolution marks a pivotal moment in the Council’s response to the situation in Myanmar and I am hopeful that it will pave the way for meaningful discussion and action. The Council has an obligation to maintain a dedicated focus on the crisis. 

Ireland has also consistently raised the situation in Myanmar at each session of the Human Rights Council and will continue to do so.  We remain actively engagement in the EU context.  I was pleased to attend the EU-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Summit on 14 December 2022, where the crisis was discussed. Ireland fully supports ASEAN's five-point consensus towards a peaceful resolution. We welcome the ASEAN Leader’s Review and decision on implementation as agreed at the ASEAN Leader’s Summit on 11 November, and ASEAN'S commitment to engage with all stakeholders. 

I will continue to closely follow developments and press for an urgent solution to the crisis and the restoration of a meaningful democratic process.