Vol. 482 No. 3
12 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the recent contacts, if any, he had with the Nigerian authorities and his attempts to convey to them Irish concerns about human rights abuses in that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18106/97]
17 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions, if any, he will take against Nigeria should that country's human rights record not improve, particularly in view of the statement made at the Commonwealth Summit on 27 October, 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18094/97]
33 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps, if any, the Government has taken at EU level to bring about a restoration of democracy in Nigeria. [18115/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 12, 17 and 33 together.
The Government is seriously concerned about the manner of the transition to democratic rule and the ongoing human rights position in Nigeria. This concern was reiterated by us and our European Union partners at the 52nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September last. On that occasion we continued to express our dissatisfaction at the slow pace of transition to democratic government in Nigeria and the human rights position there. 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.
These objectives are fundamental to the policy of Government in relation to Nigeria as well as to that of the European Union as agreed by partners at the EU General Affairs Council of 2 June 1997. The Council did not consider that sufficient progress had been made to warrant the removal of the EU's restrictive measures against Nigeria. The Government fully supports this view and has consistently supported the extension of the EU measures. The House will recall that, inter alia, these measures include the suspension of development and 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.
In the light of their continued concerns about the position there the Commonwealth Heads of Government, meeting in Edinburgh from 24 to 27 October, decided that Nigeria would remain suspended from the Commonwealth. They also agreed that if, following 1 October 1998, Nigeria had not completed a credible transition to democratic government, they would consider that country's expulsion from the organisation and the introduction of further restrictive measures. In addition, the Edinburgh meeting enumerated interim measures such as visa restrictions and arms embargo which could be implemented before that date to encourage greater integrity of the process of transition and respect for human rights in Nigeria.
The Government welcomes the outcome of the Edinburgh Commonwealth meeting as consistent with the efforts of the European Union and other members of the international community to maintain pressure on the Nigerian authorities for early reform of democratic and human rights. We also welcome the recent decision by the Chairman of the 53rd Session of the Commission on Human Rights in Geneva to appoint Mr. Soli J. Sorabjee as UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights position in Nigeria, a direct outcome of the Resolution on Nigeria which Ireland and our EU partners successfully co-sponsored for adoption at that 53rd session in Geneva last April at which that post was created.
The European Union remains committed to engaging in dialogue with the Nigerian authorities as well as to supporting civil society. While it remains to be seen whether the Nigerian Government will be receptive to this offer of dialogue, the Government and our European Union partners will continue our efforts to ensure that it remains fully conscious of our serious concerns. The Government will continue to avail of all appropriate opportunities to ensure that the Nigerian authorities are aware of the importance we attach to an early return to democracy and full respect for human rights and the rule of law in Nigeria.
Is it still the position that Ireland is arguing for stronger sanctions against Nigeria than the majority of our European Union partners? Were we represented by a Minister at the General Affairs Council meeting on 2 October last at which the position in Nigeria was discussed? Is there a Nigerian Ambassador to Ireland currently in the country?
Was the Deputy's first question on an oil embargo or sanctions?
Strengthening the sanctions.
Ireland, and a number of our EU partners, favour the introduction of an oil embargo in furtherance of democracy and human rights in Nigeria. However, for an oil embargo to be effective it would need to have global support. A unilateral EU oil embargo would not have great impact as it would not include the major markets for Nigerian oil. That is the reason the Government supports the idea of EU consultations with other states on such an embargo.
On the question of a trade embargo, in 1995 Irish exports amounted to just over £42 million with imports amounting to £1.4 million. In 1996, Irish exports amounted to £38.6 million with imports of £1.1 million. Our biggest exports to Nigeria include edible products and preparations in addition to medical and pharmaceutical products. A total trade embargo would have negative effects on some indigenous exporters but if exceptions were made for essential foods and medicines, that might soften the blow. Ireland and its EU partners would abide by any decision on an international embargo taken by the UN Security Council, although these do not normally apply retrospectively to pre-existing contracts. Did the Deputy ask about the recall of an Ambassador?
I asked if there is a Nigerian Ambassador in the country.
There is not. The Nigerian Ambassador has not returned since she was recalled. Ireland's Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Brendan McMahon, returned to Lagos for consultations on 12 January 1996 following his recall and that of most EU Ambassadors after the Ogoni executions. Our Ambassador's return to Lagos facilitated his safeguarding of the interests of Irish nationals there and the making of representations to the Nigerian authorities about the ongoing situation in the country.
What about ministerial attendance at the General Affairs Council?
I attended the last General Affairs Council.
Other than issuing declarations, in terms of taking action against Nigeria, will the Minister of State set out the order of priorities, in terms of taking action against Nigeria, available to the European Union to bring about a change in Nigeria? Will she also tell the House whether, in her best judgment, there is any indication of hope that democracy might be restored in Nigeria in the foreseeable future?
Since the take-over by the military regime in 1993, concern has been expressed and efforts made at international level at every fora to encourage the restoration of democracy and the protection of human rights in Nigeria. We have taken appropriate action at all these fora to work with our EU partners, via the UN, to take as many initiatives as are reasonable in the circumstances to keep the pressure on the Nigerian authorities to comply with international global norms. I outlined in my reply, the various efforts which have been made. The decision of the Commonwealth Heads of Government at their meeting in Edinburgh to suspend the membership of Nigeria was significant. They have indicated that if matters do not improve, and I hope they do, they will take further action against Nigeria. Suggestions have been made about Ireland's position on a trade embargo and other sanctions which may be introduced.
Ireland is doing much bilaterally to help support democracy in Nigeria. In 1996 it granted a total of £71,000 to projects in Nigeria as part of the Government's support for democratisation and human rights there. Among the areas funded under this heading were those relating to environmental rights, the Nigerian civil liberties organisation, a publication on the Nigerian prison system, a human rights test case and the rehabilitation of prisoners. A similar amount has been allocated to relevant human rights projects in 1997. In addition, over £896,000 was allocated to projects in Nigeria under the Government's NGO co-financing scheme in 1996. The priority sectors covered under the scheme include primary health care, basic education, water and sanitation, rural development and welfare. A similar level of NGO co-financing is being provided this year.
The Deputy's general point is that in addition to advocacy and declaratory measures about human rights in some African countries, it is most important that Ireland assists them in building up civic societies and helping them to help themselves to have the capacity to behave in ways which respect global norms. We must support those countries but we should not act in a postcolonial fashion and tell developing and emerging democracies how to behave under international accepted global norms. We must help them build up their judicial systems and civic organisations. The Government is most interested in doing that, particularly in sub-Saharan African countries.
Is the Minister of State satisfied that the aid transmitted to the countries to which she referred is reaching its intended targets?
Yes. All donor governments need to ensure in terms of their efforts to help capacity building in developing countries that the aid they provide does not go, and could not be perceived to be going, to regimes of which they disapprove. The Government is careful to focus its assistance on projects which are guaranteed to support the NGO community. These projects are carefully monitored on the ground and evaluated continually to ensure the aid meets the purpose for which it was intended, that is, to help the poorest of the poor and build civic societies in the Third World.
