Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 2

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Membership of UN Commission on Human Rights.

Ray Burke

Question:

5 Mr. R. Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, in view of the statement in the White Paper on Foreign Policy that the Government intends to initiate a campaign to seek membership of the UN Commission on Human Rights, his views on the recent statement by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Ayala Lasso, that the already limited resources which were allocated for human rights in the regular budget for 1996-97 had to be reduced by $2.7 million, or 6 per cent; the additional financial resources, if any, the Government intends to commit in the current financial year to support the crucial work of the Commission and of the UN in general in the field of human rights. [14741/96]

Mr. Spring

Ireland was recently elected to the UN Commission on Human Rights for a three year term which will commence on 1 January 1997. As a member of the Commission, Ireland will continue to give the fullest expression to the priority attached by the Irish people to the promotion of respect for human rights. Our main priorities will include a commitment to developing the mandate of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and strengthening the role of that office including its management of the UN Centre for Human Rights in Geneva. We are also committed to seeking the allocation of additional resources to human rights in the UN system under the overall direction of the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner.

In view of this we greatly regret that the allocation of funding to human rights in the UN regular budget has been reduced. This is part of system-wide cuts which apply to every agency throughout the United Nations system and not just to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. These cuts have been applied because of the general financial crisis in the UN budget, caused to a large extent by arrears of payments by some member states.

It is open to member states of the United Nations also to make voluntary contributions to UN programmes in the field of human rights. In the current financial year, for example, Ireland is contributing to the UN Fund for Victims of Torture, the UN Voluntary Fund for Technical Development in Human Rights and the Centre for Human Rights, which is under the direct control of the High Commissioner. In addition, a number of human rights projects are supported under my Department's Human Rights and Democratisation Fund. Contributions to all these funds in the current financial year show a substantial increase over the last financial year. In the case of the Centre for Human Rights this is the first contribution by Ireland to assist the centre.

Mr. R. Burke

I agree with the sentiments expressed in the Minister's reply. While I accept there are major funding problems in the UN and that some countries have not contributed their fair share, surely human rights issues should receive priority. How can we expect the UN Commission on Human Rights to carry out its work if there is a major reduction in funding? It is not appropriate for the Minister to talk about a commitment to resources when they will be reduced significantly. Where will resources be found to fund the drafting of international instruments, the prevention of discrimination, the protection of minorities, Protocols, conventions against torture, the protection of persons detained on grounds of mental ill health, ad hoc committees on procedures and so on? How will this work be carried out if we allow such a reduction in resources? What is the Minister doing to prioritise the issue of human rights?

Mr. Spring

We share the Deputy's concern in this regard and I conveyed that message to a meeting between Ministers and the Under Secretary General last week. Ireland makes its payments on time, but there is a serious financial crisis in the United Nations. The European Union contributes 35.28 per cent of the regular budget and 37.72 per cent of the peacekeeping budget. All EU member states paid promptly and in full. We raise the financial difficulties in the UN with the United States at every appropriate opportunity. During our recent State visit to Washington we expressed concern at the US proposal to reduce funding. This is a difficult issue, but we will continue to do everything possible to support the role of the High Commissioner, including making representations for an adequate budget. We have paid in excess of our requirement for human rights issues and will continue to contribute generously.

Mr. R. Burke

When drafting documentation on the new Union agreements at the Intergovernmental Conference, will the Minister use the EU Presidency to ensure that human rights issues have a central place on the agenda? As the agreement to set up the EU was based primarily on trade, it does not have a coherent human rights basis. During our Presidency, will the Minister endeavour to remedy the defect in the Union and Maastricht agreements and give human rights issues the priority they deserve?

Mr. Spring

I am sure the Deputy is well aware of the priority we give to human rights issues, which is outlined in paragraph 8.19 of the White Paper. We are committed to developing the mandate of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and strengthening the role of that office, including its management of the UN Centre for Human Rights in Geneva. As the Deputy correctly stated, these are important issues to be considered on an ongoing basis.

An important conference will take place here next Tuesday at which all the NGOs and the Secretary General of the Red Cross will be represented. A number of these issues will be considered at that conference and there will be a further opportunity to develop the question of human rights when the Intergovernmental Conference considers the matter.