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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Dec 1998

Vol. 498 No. 4

Written Answers. - Human Rights Abuses.

Ivor Callely

Question:

29 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress, if any, made to address human rights violations in countries where there are particular concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27294/98]

The Government, in co-operation with our EU partners and other concerned states, continually monitors the human rights situation in many countries throughout the world. A steady flow of information is available from many sources, including local embassies, United Nations rapporteurs and working groups, the Commission on Human Rights and non-governmental organisations.

As the Deputy will be aware, progress comes slowly in human rights. Improvements are achieved usually over a long period of time. I have provided detailed information to the House in my replies to other questions on specific cases of human rights violations, and I do not propose therefore to address all these cases on this occasion. There are signs of some progress in certain areas, although it must be stressed that such progress is relative. For example, dialogue is ongoing between the EU and China on human rights issues, which included contacts between the Chinese administration and NGOs, and we are in the process of extending technical co-operation to the Chinese authorities in a number of areas. In addition, China has now signed two important international human rights instruments, namely the International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights and Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and we look forward to their early ratification.

Cambodia is now involved in the process of democratisation and Indonesia, which still faces massive problems, especially in relation to East Timor, is planning to hold democratic elections next summer. The EU has welcomed the efforts of the Government of Colombia to find a solution to the long-lasting internal conflict there. We also note continuing progress is being made in Guatemala. Positive developments have taken place recently in Nigeria, in particular the steps towards free and fair elections and the release of a number of political prisoners. There has also been progress in relation to universal abolition of the death penalty. Earlier this year Azerbaijan abolished the death penalty, and the Bulgarian Parliament has stated its intention to do the same, I hope before the end of this month.

I have referred to a small number of countries, and there are many other instances I could mention. However, I would sound a note of caution. All efforts are to be welcomed, but in each of the cases I mentioned developments are in early stages and, while we welcome indications of progress, we remain concerned about the human rights in each of the countries mentioned and we will continue to monitor the situation closely.
I would also like to inform the House that a European Union commemoration was held in Vienna on 10 December last to make the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Ireland was represented at that ceremony by my colleague, the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Cullen.
A solemn declaration of the European Union on human rights was issued during the event, which noted the attachment of the Union to human rights and fundamental freedoms. The declaration set out EU achievements in the field of human rights and it also outlined how human rights might be strengthened, both internally and externally.
In particular, the declaration stated that "the universality and indivisibility of human rights and the responsibility for their protection and promotion, together with the promotion of pluralistic democracy and effective guarantees for the rule of law, constitute essential objectives for the Euorpean Union as a union of shared values and serve as a fundamental basis for our action".
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