Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 3

Written Answers. - Human Rights Abuses.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

53 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions he has had on human rights in the context of Algeria's proposed membership of the EURO-Mediterranean Partnership due to be signed on 9 November 2000. [22335/00]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

Algeria signed the Barcelona declaration on 28 November 1995, and has been a member of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership since that time. The partnership covers three broad areas, political and security co-operation; economic and financial co-operation and social, cultural and humanitarian co-operation.

The overall objectives are the strengthening of democracy and respect for human rights, sustainable and balanced economic and social development, effective measures to combat poverty and the promotion of greater understanding between cultures. A primary goal is to create a Euro-Med zone of peace, prosperity and free trade through the implementation of Euro-Med Association Agreements between the EU and each Med Partner initially, extending to agreements between the Med Countries themselves as circumstances permit. Agreements have been concluded by the EU with Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Authority, interim agreement. The target date for the realisation of a regional free trade area is 2010.

Ireland places a high value on the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership as a gradually evolving forum for the cultivation of regional stability and prosperity and inter-cultural harmony. During our EU presidency and since, we have played an active role in advancing the Barcelona Process.

We have held continuing discussions with our EU partners concerning the human rights situation in Algeria, which is a major focus of our relationship with that country, and remains a serious cause of concern. As part of its dialogue, the EU has encouraged necessary reforms, modernisation and improvements in human rights, and has offered constructive assistance through the partnership. In this partnership dialogue, Ireland has sought to maintain a strong focus on human rights and the promotion of the role of civil society.

With up to one third of its population unemployed, and one-third under 30, social and economic stability in Algeria are extremely important and can provide the basis for a peaceful future in that country. Negotiations to conclude an Association Agreement with Algeria had been dormant since 1997, but were resumed in April of this year. Negotiations are conducted by the Commission on behalf of the EU. As with other agreements, this should include further commitments by Algeria to democratisation and the rule of law. It is my understanding that negotiations with Algeria are still at a preliminary stage and I do not expect either side to be in a position to sign such an agreement in the near future.

These negotiations must, of course, be fully consistent with human rights commitments under the Barcelona Declaration. Each partner country in the process has made specific commitments under the declaration to act in accordance with the UN charter and the universal declaration of human rights. The partnership also commits states to develop the rule of law and democracy, including the upholding of fundamental freedoms. This is one of its fundamental pillars. Algeria is also party to a number of human rights conventions, including the international covenants on civil and political rights, and on economic, social and cultural rights, and the convention against torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. It remains our concern that these commitments are fully implemented in practice.