Written Answers. - Abuses in Sierra Leone.
Michael P. Kitt
Question:
49
Mr. M. Kitt
asked the
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs
if he will visit Sierra Leone in the near future to assess the incidence of widespread human rights abuses; if further development aid will be granted by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[2371/95]
The Government is following closely developments in Sierra Leone and is concerned at the recent upsurge in fighting in the country and at the reports of widespread anarchy. Thousands have died in fighting between Government forces and rebel troops. More than 24,000 people have fled into the neighbouring State of Guinea and a large number of people have been displaced within the country.
In so far as the welfare of Irish citizens is concerned, Ireland's Honorary Consul in Freetown, Dr. Aboud, has been monitoring the situation closely in co-ordination with the missions of EU partners. Plans have been drawn up for the emergency evacuation of foreign citizens, including Irish citizens, in case that should prove necessary.
The UN Secretary General has recently sent his envoy to Freetown in response to a request from the Head of State, Captain Strasser, to facilitate negotiations between his Government and the rebels. In the circumstances I do not propose to visit Sierra Leone, but the Deputy can be assured that the Government will do everything it can, including through the United Nations and the European Community, to help bring about a ceasefire and to end human rights abuses in Sierra Leone.
As regards development aid, the Government allocated £122,000 from the Emergency Humanitarian Assistance Fund for relief projects in Sierra Leone in 1994. This included a grant to the Holy Ghost Order for a communications system to support their relief effort in the Kenema region following the tragic murder of Fr. Felim McAllister. In addition, grants totalling £94,500 were allocated to agriculture and small-scale educational projects with refugees which are being carried out by the Holy Rosary Order and Cluny Sisters.
My Department is in contact with Irish aid agencies which are seeking to expand their involvement in emergency assistance in Sierra Leone and in neighbouring countries. I understand that a number of detailed proposals will shortly be made to my Department requesting further emergency assistance for those affected by the conflict in Sierra Leone. These proposals will be considered sympathetically upon receipt.
