Paul McGrath
Question:99 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the EU General and External Affairs Council has recently considered the human rights situation in China. [26501/02]
Written Answers. - Human Rights Abuses.
On 11-12 March 2002, the General Affairs Council, GAC, discussed human rights in China within the perspective of preparations for the 58th session of the UN Commission on Human Rights. While welcoming certain positive developments, the GAC urged China to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and to co-operate more closely with UN human rights mechanisms.
The GAC also expressed its continuing concern in relation to the lack of respect for human rights in China, including the freedoms of expression, religion and association, about the ongoing violations of human rights of pro-democracy activists, proponents of free trade unions and followers of the Falun Gong. In particular, it noted the widespread use of torture and the strike hard campaign, which has resulted in an extremely high number of death sentences and executions. The GAC also expressed its concern about restrictions against unofficial churches and religious groups, as well as the deprivation of religious and cultural rights in Tibet and Xinjiang.
The GAC reaffirmed that the human rights dialogue with China is one of the Union's channels to improve the situation in areas of concern. The GAC noted that this dialogue is an acceptable option only if enough progress is achieved and reflected on the ground. The GAC determined that the EU will continue to evaluate the results of the dialogue at regular intervals, to determine how far its expectations have been met. The EU will also continue to express publicly its concerns about human rights in China and to raise them in meetings with China at all levels. At an ambassadorial level meeting between the EU Troika and China, held in Geneva on 5 December, the human rights issue was again raised, and the Chinese side reiterated its commitment to pursue and intensify the human rights dialogue with the EU.
For our part, the Government uses every opportunity to further the issue of human rights. During his meeting with Premier Zhu Rhongji in September 2001, the Taoiseach discussed human rights both in a private meeting and in the plenary meeting of the delegations. In the course of my visit to China in January, I also had discussions with Premier Zhu and Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan on a range of human rights issues and concerns. We will continue our engagement in dialogue with the Chinese authorities to express our concerns regarding human rights.
Joan Burton
Question:100 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the killing of a number of people through the use of an unmanned aircraft recently in Yemen constitutes a major breach of international law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26519/02]
I believe that the incident to which the Deputy refers is the attack on a vehicle in Northern Yemen by a US unmanned drone on 3 November. The international legal implications of this incident are primarily a matter for the Governments of the United States and Yemen. We are not privy to any discussions that they may have had. However, in general, it is the view of the Government that the use of force should always be the last resort.
Question No. 101 answered with Question No. 53.
Question No. 102 answered with Question No. 59.
Question No. 103 answered with Question No. 69.