Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Oct 1995

Vol. 457 No. 2

Written Answers. - Southern Iraqi Marshlands Destruction.

Michael P. Kitt

Question:

18 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make representations arising from the claims of British scientists that the marshes of Southern Iraq are being destroyed, leading to an ecological disaster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14881/95]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

I share the concern that the Deputy has expressed regarding the destruction of the marshlands of Southern Iraq. Apart from the disastrous ecological consequences, the deliberate policy of drainage and Iraqi military operations in the area are further clear evidence of a continuing campaign of repression by the Government of Iraq against the Marsh Arab people.

Iraq's policies towards the Marsh Arabs continue to violate Security Council Resolution 688 of 5 April 1991 which called for an end to the repression of the Iraqi civilian population. This same resolution also called on Iraq to co-operate with humanitarian organisations to ensure that the human and political rights of all Iraqi citizens are respected.

The situation of the Marsh Arabs was addressed in the report on human rights in Iraq presented last February to the UN Commission on Human Rights by its special rapporteur, Mr. Max van der Stoel. This report drew attention to the destruction of economic resources including arable land through deliberate draining of the marshlands, the accompanying destruction of the environment and the economic basis for the traditional lifestyle of the Marsh Arab people, and their consequent large-scale displacement.

The Government supports the special rapporteur's call for an immediate end to, and reversal of, the draining of the marshlands by the Iraqi Government and the cessation of military activities against the civilian population of the area.

Ireland cosponsored the Resolution on the Human Rights Situation in Iraq adopted at the most recent session of the UN Commission on Human Rights in April last. This Resolution,inter alia, urged the Government of Iraq to implement in particular the recommendations of the special rapporteur which refer to the Marsh Arabs.

The Government will avail of every appropriate opportunity to urge that the recommendations of the special rapporteur on human rights in Iraq are kept at the forefront of the UN's consideration of the situation in that country.