Bernard J. Durkan
Question:281 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the 20 countries worldwide now deemed to have the worst human rights abuses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7431/03]
Written Answers - Human Rights Abuses.
As I have made clear on previous occasions, it is not the policy of the Government to draw up a league table of countries deemed guilty of the worst human rights abuses.
Together with our EU partners, the Government monitors the human rights situations in many countries throughout the world on the basis of information obtained from a variety of sources, including non-governmental organisations. Where the situation warrants, we make known our concerns about human rights violations to the Governments in question, either directly or through action at the UN General Assembly and the UN Commission on Human Rights. At these bodies the EU regularly makes statements on the human rights situations in a number of countries from all regions. Ireland is fully associated with these statements. The EU also introduces or supports resolutions dealing with specific countries.
Active participation in multilateral organisations such as the EU, UN and the Council of Europe provides an occasion where Ireland can voice its concerns regarding human rights abuses. Through these organisations, international pressure can be brought to bear on those responsible for the violation of human rights.
The Government will continue to use these mechanisms as a means of highlighting violation of human rights and furthering their protection.