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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Feb 1999

Vol. 500 No. 1

Written Answers - Human Rights Abuses.

Nora Owen

Question:

103 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will sponsor a motion at the forthcoming Commission on Human Rights in Geneva to appoint a special rapporteur to investigate human rights violations in Algeria and to report back to the UN General Assembly. [3869/99]

Tony Gregory

Question:

105 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will sponsor a motion at the forthcoming Commission on Human Rights in Geneva requesting the commission to appoint a special rapporteur to investigate human rights violations in Algeria and to report back to the UN General Assembly. [3171/99]

Gay Mitchell

Question:

107 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will sponsor a motion on Algeria at the forthcoming Commission on Human Rights meeting (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3493/99]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 103, 105 and 107 together.

I remain concerned at the human rights situation in Algeria. In the context of the framework for preparations for the forthcoming session of the UN Commission on Human Rights, which commences in Geneva on March 22, we will be discussing the situation in Algeria with our EU partners. We will also be liaising closely with other states which share our concerns on human rights abuses in Algeria. In the process of developing our position we will be looking into a number of options, including those put forward by the Deputies.

While the scale of the unrest has abated and there appears to be slight amelioration in the overall security situation in Algeria, reports show that massacres and bombings are still being perpetrated. There are repeated accounts of basis human rights violations. I have used every possible opportunity to convey to the Algerian authorities our concerns about the situation there. Last month our ambassador specifically raised the questions of torture and disappearances in his meetings with President Zeroual and the Foreign Minister. Similar concerns have been expressed by the European Union on a number of occasions.
It remains essential that Algeria works with the human rights mechanisms of the United Nations. The Algerian authorities have made it clear, however, that they are not prepared to accept UN special rapporteurs for torture and extrajudicial executions. The Government and our EU partners intend to maintain pressure on the Algerian authorities to accept the UN special rapporteurs, and will continue to work to achieve a greater degree of co-operation between Algeria and the United Nations.

Proinsias De Rossa

Question:

104 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed regarding the political, military and economic contacts between Japan and Burma; if he will raise with the Japanese Government the level of human rights abuses in Burma and the anti-democratic nature of the regime and urge it to use its influence to promote the establishment of democracy and respect for human rights in Burma; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3170/99]

The human rights situation in Burma continues to be a cause of serious concern to the Government. This is reflected in Ireland's strong support for the common position on Burma adopted by the European Union over two years ago and which was further strengthened at the General Affairs Council held in Luxembourg on 26 October last year.

I am aware that Japan has resumed its humanitarian aid programme to Burma in recent years. Particular concern has been expressed internationally at a yen loan, equivalent to approximately £15 million, granted by the Japanese Government last March for the refurbishment of safety facilities at Rangoon International Airport. It is understood, however, that this and other assistance offered by Japan has been provided only in relation to projects which are classified by the Japanese Government as being of a humanitarian or emergency nature.

I shall avail of the next suitable opportunity to discuss the human rights situation in Burma in my contacts with the Japanese Government. I shall also continue to work with my EU colleagues for an improvement in the civil and political liberties of the Burmese people and shall endeavour to provide whatever practical assistance may be feasible to the democratic opposition movement in that country.

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