Bernard J. Durkan
Question:238 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his efforts to date and his proposals for the future in dealing with human rights abuses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21447/03]
Written Answers. - Human Rights Issues.
Human rights have been a priority of successive Irish Governments and continue to form a central part of Ireland's foreign policy. Through our active participation in multilateral organisations such as the European Union, United Nations and the Council of Europe, Ireland voices its concerns regarding the abuse of human rights with a view to bringing to bear international pressure on those responsible for the violation of human rights. Ireland fully supports the prioritisation of human rights at EU level and EU action to mainstream human rights on the political agenda. It is my belief that an EU response to human rights issues often constitutes a stronger, and therefore more effective, means of responding to violations and threats to human rights. During our Presidency of the European Union, Ireland will seek to develop further EU policy on human rights and to take action on issues which have traditionally been a priority for the EU, such as the elimination of torture and the death penalty. In addition, during our Presidency of the European Union next year Ireland will seek to highlight the role of and threats to human rights defenders.
At international level Ireland will continue to raise these issues, through our participation in, and co-operation with, the United Nations. The UN General Assembly and the UN Commission on Human Rights are the major fora for the discussion of human rights matters at the international level. Ireland is a committed member of the UN Commission on Human Rights. We will continue to work, with our EU partners, to ensure that the Commission address in an impartial and effective way the items on its agenda, including the various thematic issues and country situations which come before it. In addition we will seek to strengthen and enhance the role of the EU at the Commission. With its Presidency of the EU, Ireland will have the responsibility of speaking and negotiating on behalf of the Union at the next session of the Commission in March-April 2004.
As I have previously stated, participation in international organisations will continue to be the principal mechanism through which this Government will deal with violations of human rights and seek to further their protection.
Question No. 239 answered with Question No. 114.