Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2013
173. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will engage further with the authorities in Burma on the abuse of human rights of the Rohingya people who are deprived of basic civil entitlements like the right to education, land ownership and so on, now facing the triple threat of disease, starvation and violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14217/13]
View answerThe Government continues to closely monitor reports of human rights abuses of the Rohingya people in Burma/Myanmar and is concerned about the situation. While Ireland’s diplomatic relations with Burma/Myanmar are maintained on a secondary accreditation basis via our Embassy in Vietnam, and through the Embassy of Burma/Myanmar in London, we continue also to work through the mechanisms of the EU and UN to ensure that human rights are respected in Burma/Myanmar, including those of the Rohingya people.
On 28 January 2013, the Irish Ambassador in Hanoi presented his credentials to become 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 human rights situation in Rakhine State. As an elected member of the Human Rights Council, Ireland is working closely with partners at the Council to ensure the continuation of international scrutiny of the human rights situation in Burma/Myanmar. At the 67th session of the United Nations General Assembly Ireland along with our international partners urged the Government of Burma/Myanmar to accelerate its efforts to address human rights concerns and called upon the Government there to grant safe, timely, full and unhindered access across Rakhine State.
President Thein Sein visited Brussels on 5 March. He met with High Representative Catherine Ashton as well as with President of the Commission José Manuel Barroso and President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy. Following this latter meeting, a Joint Statement was released in which both sides agreed to work in partnership to promote human rights and the rule of law for all people living in Burma/Myanmar, including the Rohingya.
Ireland’s recent experience in development cooperation in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia as well as in Timor Leste is relevant to Burma/Myanmar, and we stand ready to share this experience to assist in its development and democratisation. To date, Irish Aid has provided over €7m to Burma / Myanmar through NGOs and Irish missionaries for long term development and emergency and recovery responses. Ireland will continue to urge the Government of Burma/Myanmar, both bilaterally and through the relevant multilateral channels, to address the human rights situation of the Rohingya.
