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]
Vol. 498 No. 4
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.