Vol. 464 No. 4
60 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what representations, if any, he has made to the Nigerian authorities regarding the ongoing human rights crisis in that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8372/96]
The Government continues to be seriously concerned about the human rights situation in Nigeria. Along with its EU partners, Ireland is sponsoring a resolution on Nigeria at the 52nd Session of the UN Commission on Human Rights currently taking place in Geneva and has participated as a member of the EU troika in the carrying out of demarches in capitals seeking support for its adoption. This follows the recent fact-finding mission sent to Nigeria by the UN Secretary General. The mission's mandate was to examine the judicial process of the trial of the late Ken Saro-Wiwa in the context of the international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a party, and the plans of the Government of Nigeria to implement its declared commitment to restore the country to democratic rule.
The Government is monitoring the situation closely and on an ongoing basis with EU partners, pursuant to the review procedure enshrined in the respective EU Common Positions of 20 November and 4 December 1995, which allow for the adoption of further measures, including further sanctions, in the light of developments in Nigeria.
The Government will continue to support all appropriate measures under the terms of review of the EU Common Positions on Nigeria and in the UN and other international fora, with a view to maintaining strong pressure on the Nigerian authorities to take specific steps towards an early transition to democracy and to ensure full respect for human rights and the rule of law.
