Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Jan 1995

Vol. 447 No. 11

Written Answers. - Security of Aid Workers.

Michael P. Kitt

Question:

36 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if approaches have been made to the United Nations concerning the safety and security of aid workers on the Zaire border with Rwanda; the further initiatives, if any, which have been taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1431/95]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

There have been a number of security incidents in recent months in the camps for Rwandan refugees in Zaire. There is evidence that the defeated Hutu army and militia are training in the camps and are attempting to destabilise the Government of Rwanda by incursions across the border. There is a general consensus in the international community that something must be done about the security situation in the camps, but there is considerable debate about how the problem should be tackled.

There are some 50 Irish personnel working with Irish non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Zaire as well as other expatriates and a large number of local employees. They are continuing their efforts to bring assistance to the refugees in very difficult circumstances. Their safety is a matter of concern for the Government. My Department is maintaining close contact with all the Irish non-governmental organisations which are working in Zaire, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania. We had discussions with the United Nations in early December, during which we drew attention to the substantial number of humanitarian relief workers with Irish NGOs in the field and the importance that the Government attaches to their safety and their inclusion in UN safety plans. Following a serious incident involving an armed robbery in GOAL's premises in Bukavu at the end of December, we again conveyed our concerns to UN headquarters in New York and to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Geneva as the UNHCR is the lead agency in the camps in Zaire.

Last week at the Round Table donors' meeting on Rwanda I met the Prime Minister of Rwanda and members of his Government, the President of the International Red Cross, Mr. Sommaruga, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Mrs. Ogata, and the heads of other UN agencies. Our concern was shared by all the people to whom I spoke and it was felt that the question of security in the camps will not be easily resolved. There are a number of proposals for policing arrangements currently under consideration by the UN Security Council.

There will be a major conference in Bujumbura in Burundi in mid-February on the refugee problems of the region. The question of security in the camps will be a major topic. Ireland will be represented at the conference and I hope that a solution to this problem will be reached.

Finally, I would like to pay tribute to the work of Irish NGOs in Zaire and the other countries affected by the conflict. I have seen what they are doing and have been greatly impressed by their professionalism and dedication.