Bernard J. Durkan
Question:283 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the current situation in Rwanda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7433/03]
Written Answers - Democratic Election Procedures.
A referendum on the adoption of a new constitution, and presidential and legislative elections to establish functioning, democratic institutions are scheduled to take place in Rwanda in 2003, thus completing the transition phase that followed the 1994 genocide.
The consequences of the 1994 genocide continue to dominate Rwandan political life and will impact on the upcoming elections. Freedom of association for political parties is restricted as only the eight parties that signed the 1994 power-sharing agreement are registered. Freedom of assembly is also restricted and political parties are limited to acting only within the transitional National Assembly and their political bureau. They are not free to meet at provincial and local level or hold public meetings. Freedom of speech is also subject to restrictions. Public television and radio is under the control of the Government.
Ireland and our EU partners will continue to press the authorities in Rwanda to ensure that conditions conducive to open and democratic elections are put in place, thereby laying solid and durable foundations for peace, democracy and reconciliation in Rwanda. We will encourage the liberalisation of political activities. We will continue to monitor freedom of expression, particularly the freedom of the media, in the run-up to the election.
At the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 21 October 2002, the EU adopted a revised Common Position on Rwanda which aims to support national reconciliation, reconstruction and development, the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental civil liberties, and the transition to democracy. The Common Position encourages inclusive dialogue, improved power-sharing, democratisation and the protection of minorities. It emphasises the importance of the new constitution guaranteeing effective protection of civil and political rights and safeguarding fundamental rights and freedoms. The Common Position focuses on the presidential and parliamentary elections, stressing the need to ensure that political parties are able to participate freely in the elections. Regarding human rights, it encourages the Government of Rwanda to continue its co-operation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and to ensure the independent and effective functioning of the national human rights commission.
The Rwandan authorities are endeavouring to solve the problem posed by overcrowded prisons, decrease the pressure on its overburdened judicial system and, eventually, achieve reconciliation among the population. In this context, local courts known as Gacaca have been set up to try genocide suspects who are still being detained but who are not wanted by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, and community leaders are being trained to act as judges. The EU has welcomed the launch of the Gacaca tribunals and has called on the Government of Rwanda to ensure that Gacaca justice is administered in line with international human rights standards.