Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 October 2007
112 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the reported killing in the Central African Republic by Government troops of civilians since June 2005; and if in the context of the deployment of Irish Troops in Chad he will make a statement on the regional implication of such actions. [24992/07]
View answerThe security, humanitarian and human rights challenges in the Central African Republic (CAR) remain immense, with a clear need for international support. In recent years, an already difficult situation has been exacerbated by the activities of criminal gangs, armed rebellions in the north-west and the north-east and the spill-over of instability from Darfur and Chad. However, there has been some recent political progress, with President Bozize's government initialling a peace deal with four rebel groups earlier this month.
In May 2007 the International Criminal Court opened an investigation into grave crimes, including mass killings and rape, that have occurred in the country in the context of the conflict between the Government and rebel forces. While the investigation will focus primarily on the period 2002-2003, it will also follow ongoing abuses. A number of reports of the UN Secretary General have highlighted concerns about the excessive use of force by some elements of the armed forces of the Central African Republic, which have further undermined the humanitarian situation and increased displacement in rebel areas in the north of the country. There is a clear need for reform and strengthening of the armed forces and police of the Central African Republic to allow them to provide security and achieve improved human rights protection standards. Recent UN reports have also described the conflict in the border areas between Darfur, Chad, and the CAR as a threat to overall peace and security in the region.
In response to this situation, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1778 of 25 September 2007, authorising the establishment of a multi-dimensional mission to provide security and protection for refugees and the displaced, allow for refugee returns and facilitate humanitarian assistance in Chad and the Central African Republic. The multi-dimensional presence is mandated to contribute to a more secure environment through monitoring, promotion and protection of human rights, and to support efforts to strengthen the capacity of both the CAR and Chadian governments in meeting international human rights standards. A specific police training element, totalling more than 300 personnel, will form part of the mission.
Resolution 1778 also authorised the European Union to establish an operation to provide the military element of the mission for a period of one year. The General Affairs and External Relations Council which I attended on 15 October approved a Joint Action establishing EUFOR TCHAD/RCA, a bridging military operation for the multi-dimensional mission, which is to work alongside UN Civilian and Police elements and reformed elements of Chadian police. EUFOR TCHAD/RCA's primary focus will be on protection for civilians in danger, particularly refugees and displaced persons, in eastern Chad and north-eastern CAR, facilitating humanitarian access and protection of UN personnel.
Ireland fully supports the deployment of EUFOR TCHAD/RCA as a means of addressing the serious security and humanitarian situation obtaining in both eastern Chad and northern-eastern CAR, as well as the broader regional dimension arising from the Darfur crisis. As Deputies are aware, Lt Gen Pat Nash has been appointed Operations Commander of the mission. Officers from the Defence Forces returned last week from a reconnaissance visit to the mission area, and will make recommendations prior to any Government decision to seek Dáil approval for a significant deployment of Irish troops to serve with EUFOR TCHAD/RCA. This will undoubtedly be a challenging mission which will need to be conducted in a balanced, impartial and independent manner but which should equally contribute to improving overall security and respect for human rights in this fragile region.
Ireland also has an established record of providing humanitarian assistance to the people of the Central African Republic. Since 2006, Irish Aid has provided over €3.8 million to support the work of UN agencies on the ground.
