Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

143. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of the allegations of human rights abuses being suffered by workers from the Cerrejón mine in Colombia, and the immense damage being done to the surrounding areas and its indigenous people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15502/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Ireland has a longstanding and excellent relationship with Colombia. Support for the implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement is central to Ireland’s engagement, alongside our role as guarantor in the talks with FARC dissidents Estado Mayor (EM) under the Colombian Government’s Total Peace policy.

Ireland has provided over €25 million to support peacebuilding and the promotion of human rights in Colombia since 2016. Our support focusses on dialogue and participation, human rights and gender, environmental protection and achieving peace dividends.

I am aware of the concerns that have been raised by the Deputy and by some civil society organisations around the operation of this mine. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Embassy of Ireland in Bogotá have had regular contact with all relevant stakeholders in order to gain a greater understanding of the circumstances, recognising that the issues at play are complex.

The Embassy has visited the region where the mine is located, as well as the mine itself, on several occasions. Officials have interacted with a wide range of stakeholders, including local communities, local authorities, and the management of the mine.

Ireland plays an active role in supporting the promotion and protection of fundamental rights and freedoms in Colombia, engaging with the country’s vibrant civil society organisations on a regular basis. Addressing social, land-related and environmental issues is an essential component of Colombia’s peace process.

I wish to assure the Deputy that my Department and the Irish Embassy in Bogotá will continue to monitor the human rights situation in La Guajira region and across Colombia.