asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the continued violation of human rights by Turkish forces in that part of Cyprus ille-gally occupied by them; and the representations he has made or plans to make to the Turkish government on this matter.
Written Answers. - Human Rights.
241.
The entire situation in Cyprus continues to give the Government cause for great concern. The Government believe that allegations of violations of human rights by any of the parties concerned should be fully and impartially investigated and Ireland has joined in international initiatives and statements to that end.
With our partners in the European Community we welcomed the establishment, on 21 April 1981, of a Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus under the auspices of the United Nations. This committee consists of one representative of each of the two communities on the island with a representative of the International Red Cross. Ireland, along with the other members of the Ten, has expressed regret that the committee has not proceeded with the substance of its mission and hope that it will soon overcome its remaining procedural difficulties and begin its work.
The United Nations 37th General Assembly on 17 December 1982, adopted a resolution on missing persons in Cyprus which reaffirmed the basic need of families to be informed, without further delay, about the fate of their missing relatives.
The General Assembly invited the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances of the Commission on Human Rights to follow developments and to recommend ways and means to the parties concerned to facilitate the effective implementation of the investigative work of the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus. The General Assembly also requested the Secretary General to continue to provide his good offices with a view to facilitating the work of the Committee. Ireland, which is now a member of the Commission on Human Rights strongly supports these efforts.
The Government have not made direct representations to any of the parties involved, and has no immediate plans to do so, as it believes that pressure to ensure the effective operation of the international investigative machinery mentioned above, is the best approach to the question in the present circumstances.