Vol. 533 No. 2
9 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he proposes to use his influence at European and UN levels to bring about the abolition of all forms of slavery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7836/01]
24 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action the Government is taking to support the Trócaire campaign to abolish slavery. [7845/01]
27 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he proposes to take an initiative at the Security Council of the United Nations in relation to the 27 million people living in slavery, 20 million of whom are in bonded labour; if he proposes to take other action on this matter; if he supports the current Trócaire campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8397/01]
41 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise the issue of slavery and bonded labour reputed to be affecting 27 million people worldwide at the next Security Council meeting and ensure that this issue is given the priority it deserves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8168/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 24, 27 and 41 together.
The Government is committed to the active promotion of full observance of universal human rights standards, including opposing and seeking the elimination of all contemporary forms of slavery. Contemporary forms of slavery include practices such as the sale of children, child prostitution, child pornography, the exploitation of child labour, the sexual mutilation of female children, the use of children in armed conflicts, debt bondage and trafficking in persons.
I welcome Trócaire's initiative to highlight the issue of contemporary forms of slavery as their Lenten campaign this year and I support the aims of the campaign. The Minister of State in the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy O'Donnell, has met representatives of Trócaire to discuss the campaign and ways in which the Government can support it.
Slavery and human rights issues in general are normally considered by the UN bodies which have a specific role and expertise in this area, notably the Commission on Human Rights, which is currently in session in Geneva, and the International Labour Organisation – ILO. Our delegation to the Commission on Human Rights has been asked to examine ways in which the issue of contemporary forms of slavery can be addressed in the work of the commission. The primary responsibility of the UN Security Council is the maintenance of international peace and security. I would like to assure the House that Ireland's approach to all issues before the UN Security Council is informed by our commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights.
Another appropriate UN forum for discussing the bonded labour question, one of the forms of slavery which Trócaire has highlighted, is the ILO. My colleague, Deputy Tom Kitt, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, has also met representatives of Trócaire to discuss bonded labour and has undertaken to take into account the issues raised in making our national preparations for the ILO annual conference in June 2001.
The protection and promotion of the rights of all human beings is the first responsibility of every government. The persistence of contemporary forms of slavery, a most fundamental abuse of human rights, presents a challenge to all Governments. Highlighting and addressing this issue, with the assistance of organisations like Trócaire, is a priority for the Government.
Thank you. I know the Minister shares my abhorrence at the fact that in our modern world we still have an estimated 27 million people in slavery or bonded labour. Would the Minister consider some proposals as to what we could do? As a member of the Security Council would he put forward a motion that we could have slavery inspectors, like weapons inspectors, to assess the amount and effect of slavery on people round the world? Not many Governments support slavery but nevertheless it does exist, particularly in India. Would the Minister consider bringing in legislation to ban products made using slave labour? Finally could he agree with other State Departments to set up a body to trace where products originate and whether they are produced by slave labour? Is the Minister aware that many chocolate, tea, sugar, coffee and similar products are produced by slave labour? We must take a lead on this and the Minister himself should take a lead on it in the Security Council.
What initiative is the Minister taking at EU level with particular reference to the emphasis placed on such matters in the Amsterdam Treaty considering that over the past number of years slavery and the trade in human beings have been identified as one of the major problems to be faced by the European Union? Will he now take particular and special initiatives at that level to combat the problem?
Is the Minister aware that while specialised agencies such as the ILO have discussed bonded labour it has never been discussed at the Security Council? Can he tell the House that during Ireland's presence on the Security Council a specific motion that will break new ground in relation to vigilance and prohibition will be discussed? Related agencies of the UN, such as the ILO, have discussed it before but it has not been discussed in the related body of the WTO. Can he give us an assurance that there will be a specific initiative by Ireland at the Security Council itself on this matter?
I will take into consideration suggestions made by Deputies and revert back to them after proper consideration of those issues. The question raised in relation to the Security Council requires the assent of the Members for it to be raised there. I will make inquiries as to what can be done and how Ireland can be proactive in this area and revert back to the Members.
That concludes ordinary questions.
