Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 29 May 2003

Vol. 567 No. 7

Written Answers. - Foreign Conflicts.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

48 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which Ireland has through the EU and UN, promoted measures to address war and starvation in Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14911/03]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

157 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his efforts at the EU and UN to address the ever increasing issue of famine and war in Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15129/03]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

168 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he can or will influence his colleagues in the EU or UN to address the situation of war and famine in the Horn of Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15140/03]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 48,157 and 168 together.

I remain deeply conscious of the enormity of the challenges facing African nations as they seek to build the foundations of economic and social development, often in a climate of war and starvation. Ireland continues to address these challenges bilaterally and with our partners in the European Union and the United Nations. The focus of the work of Ireland Aid, the official development assistance programme of the Government, remains on Africa, where most of the poorest countries of the world are located.

Ireland Aid responds in two ways to the development needs of Africa and beyond. In the short-term we focus on saving lives in the most effective way possible, through direct assistance via the UN system and international agencies as well as non-governmental organisations. In the long-term, Ireland Aid's development programmes tackle the structural reasons underlying endemic poverty and insecurity, particularly on the African continent.

Last year the Government intervened to provide emergency and recovery assistance on over 70 occasions in more than a dozen countries throughout Africa, including the major countries of the Horn of Africa namely, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia. This humanitarian assistance amounted to more than €20 million. These interventions were designed to reduce the effects of famine and conflict on some of the most vulnerable populations in Africa with a particular emphasis on women and children.

To date this year we have assisted the following countries in Africa in addressing emergencies both natural and man-made: Malawi, Zimbabwe, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sierra Leone, Angola, Guinea, and Burundi. We have also assisted a number of regional programmes addressing emergency needs across international boundaries.

Our direct humanitarian assistance is complemented by ongoing political action. In relation to food insecurity, we have been working closely with our partners in the EU and the UN to develop strategies on how immediate needs can best be met at national and regional level. We have also funded valuable applied research into food security issues through the consultative group on international agricultural research. Regarding conflict and war, we work closely with our partners in the EU and UN to support efforts to prevent, mitigate and resolve conflict situations. Ireland has contributed to peace and democratic processes in Sierra Leone, Angola and Rwanda, as well as contributing to many small scale community-based human rights and democracy initiatives in countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Malawi. Ireland Aid has developed a strategic partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross which focuses on protection of civilians in conflict situations in Africa.

I have visited a number of famine-affected countries in Africa in the last year. I have communicated directly with my EU counterparts to urge a greater humanitarian response. I have also met with key figures in the EU and UN, including the EU Commissioner with responsibility for development, the deputy executive director of the UN World Food Programme and the secretary general of the International Federation of the Red Cross to highlight my concerns and to discuss ways of improving the co-ordination of assistance. Mr. James Morris, executive director of the World Food Programme will visit Ireland in July. This will provide a valuable opportunity for discussions on the food security situation in Africa and elsewhere.

If we are to break the cyclical nature of food insecurity and conflict in Africa, the underlying structural problems affecting poverty and stability must be addressed. Ireland Aid has strong development partnerships with six countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Through these partnerships Ireland Aid engages with the Governments, donors, EU and UN agencies on the basis of poverty reduction strategy plans. The PRSPs outline how each country prioritises resources and policies with the objective of reducing poverty. These programmes contain a strong governance element throughout to assist in the building of democratic structures, the rule of law and a culture of respect for human rights.

This comprehensive and African-owned approach by donors, governments and civil societies stands the best chance of reversing the downward spiral of economic and social indicators in sub-Saharan Africa, reducing conflict and hunger and facilitating real and positive change in the lives of millions of Africans.