Vol. 407 No. 1
58 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the deteriorating situation in relation to militarisation and human rights violations in the Philippines; if he will make representations to the Filipino authorities to disband their paramilitary units and armed vigilante patrols; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware that the human rights situation in the Philippines gives cause for concern and I have made representations in relation to specific cases, where Irish citizens were involved, to the Philippine authorities. The Philippine Government can therefore be in no doubt of my concerns in relation to human rights.
While I am cognisant of the difficulties faced by the Philippine Government in combating an armed insurgency and recognise that steps have been taken to safeguard human rights, I would expect the Philippine authorities to continue their efforts to promote and protect human rights and to ensure that all sections of the security forces operate within the law and with the maximum restraint.
