Vol. 575 No. 1
120 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if concerns have been brought to his Department's attention regarding the case of a person (details supplied) who is on hunger strike; if he will convey these concerns to the Tunisian authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27887/03]
Ireland and the EU continue to have concerns regarding the protection of human rights in Tunisia, including the case referred to by the Deputy. While we welcome the measures taken by the Tunisian authorities to promote pluralism, democracy, and freedom of expression, of association, and of the press, serious restrictions remain on some individual human rights. Ireland along with its EU partners will continue to impress upon the Tunisian Government the importance of implementing all necessary reforms. At the most recent meeting of the EU-Tunisia Association Council on 29 September, the EU availed itself of the opportunity to make its concerns known to the Tunisian government.
My Department is aware of the case of Ms Radhia Nasraoui, a Tunisian human rights lawyer, and of the reports alleging harassment of Ms Nasraoui, her family and her clients, by the authorities. In February 2002, Ireland raised the case of Ms Nasraoui's husband, Mr. Hamma Hammami, at EU level. Mr. Hammami, a leading member of the banned Tunisian Communist Party had been arrested and imprisoned along with two other party members. In addition, the Presidency carried out a démarche to the Tunisian authorities, urging them to ensure that the fundamental rights and freedoms of Mr. Hammami, his family and his colleagues were respected following his release from detention.
In view of the recent reports alleging harassment of Ms Nasraoui, her family and her clients, Ireland has raised the case with our EU partners with a view to considering appropriate follow-up action, including the possibility of carrying out a further démarche to the Tunisian authorities. As an initial step, we have sought a report from the EU heads of mission in Tunis.
Ireland has consistently lent practical support to the work of human rights defenders. We have always sought to raise awareness and appreciation of their endeavours and of the risks which they are forced to take. Accordingly, one of Ireland's objectives during our Presidency of the European Union will be to strengthen the existing support of the Union for the work of human rights defenders throughout the world.
