Michael Noonan
Question:63 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed regarding human rights abuses in Peru (details supplied). [26503/02]
Written Answers. - Human Rights Abuses.
Denis Naughten
Question:162 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on an independent investigation by the Peruvian Congress in June 2002 into compulsory sterilisation of women and the involvement of UNFPA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26779/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 63 and 162 together.
In the past two years, both I and the Minister of State, Deputy Kitt, have received correspondence in which concerns were expressed regarding human rights abuses in Peru. The correspondence contained allegations which attempted to link the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, to reports of forced sterilisations in Peru. Related allegations were also the subject of investigation by a sub-committee of the Peruvian Parliament's health committee earlier this year.
In response, the UNFPA has repeatedly reiterated that it did not in any way support these practices in Peru or anywhere else. It is the policy of UNFPA, in the event of such allegations in any country, to take immediate action to investigate and, if true, to demand an end to such practices in line with the human rights based approach to family planning which it promotes. UNFPA states that it first learned about reports of involuntary sterilisation in Peru in late 1997 and expressed strong concerns to the Ministry of Health recommending investigations. At the request of the ministry, in February 1998 the Pan-American Health Organisation, PAHO, and UNFPA examined the issue and recommended measures to protect the rights of Peruvian women. Immediately afterwards, a series of protocols and procedure manuals were issued to ensure compliance with international human rights standards. These were meant to ensure that family planning services are provided on the basis of free and informed consent and that counselling procedures are strengthened.
UNFPA's programme in Peru aims to help improve the quality of reproductive health care and to ensure full respect for human rights and gender-sensitive services. UNFPA also supported the 1997 establishment of the National Tripartite Commission on Population and Development in Peru to oversee the implementation of the programme of action of the 1994 Cairo International Conference on Population and Development.
Ireland is supporting the work of UNFPA in its response to such development challenges as maternal and infant mortality, HIV-AIDS and maternal reproductive healthcare. In 2002, Ireland contributed €1.84 million to UNFPA in support of its work. I am satisfied that UNFPA continues to adhere strictly to its mandate and is working to support the implementation of some of the key millennium development goals in conformity with the Cairo programme of action. It remains an important development partner for Ireland Aid.