Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Sep 1995

Vol. 455 No. 8

Written Answers. - Expulsion of Refugees from Zaire.

Michael P. Kitt

Question:

16 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the expulsion of refugees from Zaire; and if assurances can be given on the establishment of an efficient justice system in Rwanda. [12926/95]

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

Last month's forced repatriation of up to 15,000 refugees from Rwanda and Burundi by the Government of Zaire is a matter of grave concern to the Government. This action, which the Zairean Government suspended on 24 August, was clearly contrary to international conventions on the status of refugees and posed a serious threat to the stability of the Great Lakes Region. In suspending its action the Zairean Government has given an end-of-year deadline to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to complete the repatriation of refugees from its territory. According to the UN High Commissioner, who travelled to Zaire and neighbouring states to allay the crisis, this deadline would require a repatriation rate of about 20,000 refugees per day to be met.

Ireland supported the initiative for a demarche by the EU to the Zairean Foreign Minister on 1 September which was followed by further demarches in Rwanda and Burundi. An EU Ministerial Troika also visited Rwanda and Burundi on 14-16 September. In addition to voicing its concerns about recent developments the EU has sought to use these opportunities to secure the full participation of countries in the region in an action-oriented international conference on the Great Lakes Region.

The Government considers the safe, voluntary repatriation of refugees to their home countries essential to any lasting settlement of the crisis in the Great Lakes Region. It strongly supports the holding of an international conference on peace, stability and security in the region as soon as possible to prevent any further deterioration in the situation. It also considers it imperative that the EU intensify its efforts to rehabilitate the Governments and administration of both Rwanda and Burundi so that proper conditions for the return of refugees can be created, including the establishment of more adequate judicial and penal systems.

Since April last year the Government has disbursed a total of £4.2 million in emergency assistance to the Great Lakes Region. This has included £153,000 allocated to the International Committee of the Red Cross to relieve the appalling humanitarian conditions in Rwanda prisons. A total of £250,000 has been given in funding for the UN Human Rights Monitors Team and to the International Tribunal which is investigating the genocide in Rwanda.

The Government continues to support efforts to restore civic institutions and the rule of law in Rwanda. Of the £1 million it pledged in rehabilitation to the Rwandan Government at last January's Round Table Conference in Geneva, a total of £479,000 has been allocated to date. This has included £100,000 channelled through the UN Trust Fund to restore the legal archive of the Rwandan Ministry of Justice and a further £25,000 in support of a training school for communal police.