Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 January 2013
194. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has any update on reports of increased fighting in Northern Burma; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3775/13]
View answerThe Government follows closely reports of the escalation of violence in the northern Kachin State of Burma/Myanmar and is concerned about the situation. Ireland’s diplomatic relations with Burma/Myanmar are maintained by secondary accreditation via our Embassy in Vietnam, and through the Embassy of Burma/Myanmar in London. The Irish Ambassador presented his credentials yesterday and became the first Ambassador of Ireland accredited to Burma/Myanmar. Following accreditation, the Ambassador met with both the President and Foreign Minister of Burma/Myanmar and discussed a range of issues, including the northern Kachin State.
In December 2012, violence in Kachin State escalated, exacerbating the humanitarian situation there. The latest reports from the European Community Humanitarian Office (ECHO) and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) state that at least 2000 people have been displaced since December in addition to the 75,000 people displaced since the conflict started in September 2011.
Ireland remains engaged at both European Union and international levels in monitoring the situation in Burma/Myanmar, including events in Kachin State. Human rights have been a priority of successive Irish governments and are a key dimension of our foreign policy. Ireland, as an elected member of the Human Rights Council, will work closely with partners at the Council to ensure the continuation of international scrutiny of the human rights situation in Kachin and in Burma/Myanmar as a whole. At the 67th session of the United Nations General Assembly Ireland along with our international partners expressed deep concern about the continuing armed conflict in Kachin; called upon the government and all parties to the armed conflict to take measures to protect the civilian population; and called for safe, timely, full and unhindered humanitarian access.
Burma/Myanmar is in the process of undergoing an important and long-awaited transformation as the country re-engages with the International community. Ireland stands ready to share its experiences and to assist the process of democratisation in Burma/Myanmar. We want recent, positive, developments to bring lasting change for the people of Burma/Myanmar, including the people of Kachin State.
