Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 31 May 2000

Vol. 520 No. 2

Written Answers. - Human Rights Abuses.

Liam Lawlor

Question:

70 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if any further action is required or intended at EU or UN level to achieve further progress on human rights protection in Algeria as set out in correspondence supplied (details supplied). [15683/00]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

74 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the current position in relation to human rights violations in Algeria; his proposals, if any, to deal with this matter at UN or EU levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15585/00]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 70 and 74 together.

The human rights situation in Algeria remains a cause for concern, even if improvements are taking place. At the recent 56th Session of the UN Commission of Human Rights, Ireland, together with our EU partners, welcomed a number of positive developments in Algeria and signs of co-operation by the Government of Algeria with its international partners. In response to representations by the European Union, the Algerian authorities have furnished information to the EU Presidency about a number of disappearance cases. They have undertaken to follow up with further information and advised the Presidency that they have undertaken to keep the Commission of Human Rights informed on a regular basis about cases of persons reported to have disappeared in Algeria. It is clearly important that these assurances are kept.

Ireland and the EU are encouraging Algeria to persevere with necessary economic and social reforms and modernisation and improvements in human rights, particularly in the context of Algeria's Barcelona process commitments, under which concrete constructive assistance is being provided. In this context, the moves by President Bouteflika's Government towards economic and social modernisation and reform, though currently in a delicate phase and resisted by some elements, can provide the basis for a peaceful future for Algeria. Full respect for human rights will be an essential element.

We welcome the stated readiness of the Algerian Government to engage with human rights groups and continue to call for full and effective co-operation with UN mechanisms, and in particular for access for UN special rapporteurs. A 12 day mission to Algeria by Amnesty International earlier this month found a clear improvement in human rights but added that it was still too soon to draw a definitive conclusion. The four person mission met with leading Algerian Government officials and local human rights leaders and travelled to the interior of the country to speak with witnesses.

The acceptance of the Government amnesty by the Islamic Salvation Front, whose military wing, the Islamic Salvation Army, formally moved to disband under the agreement reached with the Government, is a positive move towards an end to years of conflict. Clearly, further steps are necessary, and it is important that all groups continue to work for the security, stability and reconciliation of the country. In this regard we remain deeply concerned by the continued activity of the Armed Islamic Group, which has been responsible for atrocities often involving massacre and mutilation.