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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Dec 1997

Vol. 485 No. 1

Written Answers. - Human Rights Abuses.

John Gormley

Question:

39 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps, if any, his Department will take, particularly through this country's representation on the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, to protest at the growing incidence of arrests in several countries of environmental activists on charges of state subversion in these countries. [22368/97]

This Government is committed to giving the fullest possible expression to human rights concerns in all aspects of Ireland's foreign policy. In this regard, we will continue to use every available opportunity to raise our voice against incidences of human rights abuses, wherever they may occur, through our membership of a variety of international bodies, such as the Council of Europe, the UN Third Committee and the UN Commission on Human Rights, of which Ireland is a member in the period 1997-99. We will also pursue our concerns on human rights issues in co-operation with other member states of the European Union.

The Government is deeply committed to the principle laid down in Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which states that:

The right of peaceful assembly shall be recognized. No restrictions may be placed on the exercise of this right other than those imposed in conformity with the law and which are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security or public safety, the protection of public health or morals or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.

In this context, I can assure the Deputy that this Government will continue to encourage universal respect for the right of citizens to engage in peaceful protest, including the non-violent actions of environmental activists.

If the Deputy has information about any specific incidents, I will be glad to look into them.

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