Paul Connaughton
Question:44 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the representations, if any, which have been made to the Nigerian authorities in relation to the release of political detainees. [14608/97]
Written Answers - Political Detainees.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:66 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has contacted the Nigerian authorities in relation to the conditions in which the Ogoni 19 are held. [14739/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 66 together.
I am seriously concerned at the continued plight of political detainees and the unacceptable lack of due process in the case of the Ogoni 19 which are disappointingly indicative of the human rights situation and the pace and manner of the transition to democratic rule in Nigeria.
In my address to the 52nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly last Thursday I raised these concerns about the abuse of human rights in Nigeria. At the session, Ireland and our EU partners continued to express our dissatisfaction with the slow pace of transition to democratic government in Nigeria and the human rights situation. We also called on the Nigerian authorities to ensure full respect for human rights and the rule of law including the review of all cases of political prisoners and persons detained without charge. The General Affairs Council, in its Conclusions of 2 June 1997 has expressly renewed its appeal to the Nigerian authorities for the release of all political prisoners and for the holding of free and fair elections leading to a civilian government.
While noting some potentially positive developments, the Council remained profoundly concerned about the overall situation and did not consider that sufficient progress had been made to warrant the removal of EU restrictive measures against Nigeria. Consequently these measures were extended by the Council for a further six month period. The Government strongly supported their retention as a measure of our continuing concern about the Ogoni 19, other political detainees and the many unresolved human rights and democratisation issues in Nigeria. The extended EU restrictive measures includeinter alia the suspension of military co-operation, visa restrictions on members of the Nigerian military or government and their families, the suspension of all high level visits, an arms embargo and the interruption of sporting contacts.
While extending these measures, the Council also clearly signalled the Union's commitment to engaging in a constructive dialogue with the Nigerian authorities as well as to supporting civil society. Although it is not yet clear if the Nigerian Government will be receptive to this offer of dialogue, Ireland and our European partners are continuing our efforts to ensure that they remain fully conscious of our serious concerns. Earlier this month, EU heads of mission in Lagos met with the President of Nigeria's newly established National Commission for Human Rights. This follows previous demarches which have been made by the Union to the Nigerian authorities.
At last April's 53rd Session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights Ireland, as a current member of the Commission, strongly supported an EU-sponsored Resolution on Nigeria. This Resolution, which was adopted on 15 April, has sent a clear signal from the international community to the Abuja authorities by deciding to appoint a special rapporteur on the human rights situation in Nigeria. It called on the Nigerian authorities to release all political prisoners, trade union leaders, human rights advocates and journalists currently detained.
The Nigerian authorities are being kept fully aware of the stance of Ireland and our EU partners regarding the case of the Ogoni 19, political detainees and the overall human rights situation in their country. The Government will continue to take all appropriate measures in support of an early return to democracy and full respect for human rights and the Rule of law in Nigeria.