Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Dec 1996

Vol. 472 No. 7

Written Answers. - Human Rights Abuses.

John O'Leary

Question:

37 Mr. O'Leary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether the Government will use its influence as EU President to bring pressure to bear on EU member states and the international political community as a whole to ensure the protection of human rights in Sierra Leone and the consolidation of peace and democracy in that country by establishing an international human rights verification commission to monitor human rights while the peace agreement in Sierra Leone is being implemented. [23981/96]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

The Irish EU Presidency warmly welcomed the peace agreement signed in Abidjan on 30 November between the President of Sierra Leone, Mr. Kabbah, and the leader of the opposition Revolutionary United Front (the RUF), Mr. Sankoh. The peace agreement brought to an end more than five years of civil war in the country and opens a new chapter of hope for the long suffering people of Sierra Leone.

The Government shares fully the Deputy's concern to ensure the protection of human rights and the consolidation of peace and democracy in Sierra Leone. As to the precise mechanisms for monitoring human rights, these are matters for further consideration in the period ahead. One initiative under way in this area is a proposal for the establishment of a ceasefire monitoring force. We understand that a joint request from the Sierra Leone Government and the RUF is likely to be made shortly to the United Nations. Such a monitoring force would require a resolution of the UN Security Council. We believe that such a force, if agreed by both sides, could have a valuable role to play in the consolidation of the peace process and in creating the climate of confidence necessary to foster democracy in the country. Ireland will do everything it can, both as EU Presidency and thereafter, with our Union partners, to support the new, positive process that has begun in Sierra Leone and to help ensure full respect for human rights by all sides.

Joe Walsh

Question:

38 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of Amnesty International regarding the violation of human rights in Turkey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23030/96]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

I am aware of the recent report by Amnesty International which highlights its concerns regarding the violation of human rights in Turkey.

The Government and its partners in the European Union are seriously concerned about human rights in Turkey. Indeed, this concern is shared by all the institutions of the European Union and the wider public within the Union. We have made clear to the Turkish Government that the observance of the rule of law and full respect for human rights and basic freedoms in Turkey underpins the future development of relations between Turkey and the European Union.

I have had the opportunity to raise personally our concern on this issue with the Turkish Foreign Minister at several recent meetings and I have urged the Turkish Government to give serious attention to the need to adopt and implement, as soon as possible, measures to improve human rights and basic freedoms in Turkey. Such measures would include the proposals announced by Deputy Prime Minister Ciller on 17 October to shorten detention periods and tackle the reported incidences of abuse and torture of suspects in custody. The adoption of such measures offer the prospect of further progress in improving the protection of human rights in Turkey. We would also wish to see the early introduction of legislation to give effect to the constitutional amendments in this area adopted last year.

The Government and its partners in the European Union will continue to urge the Turkish Government to make progress in the area of democratisation and human rights, to the benefit of both the citizens of Turkey as well as Turkey's relations with the international community.