Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 July 2013
130. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support the Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi's recent denouncements as discrimination and violations of human rights, the recent proposals in Burma-Myanmar to restrict interfaith marriages and the restriction of Rohingya families to two children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33028/13]
View answer131. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he intends imposing trade restrictions on Irish-based parent companies engaging in business within or with Burma, while the recent UN reports and recommendations of unsatisfactory conditions of internally displaced persons' camps, particularly those accommodating the Rohingya population, remain ignored and unanswered by the Burma-Myanmar Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33029/13]
View answer135. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will continue to raise the plight of the Rohingya persons directly with his counterparts in the Burmese Government, and at European Union level, in particular in view of the strong trading links between Burma and the United Kingdom and France; if he will ensure the matter is raised directly with Burmese President Thein Sein during his imminent visit to Europe to meet EU leaders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33309/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 130, 131 and 135 together.
The Government is concerned about the human rights situation of the Rohingya community in Rakhine State. We continue to work through our Embassy to Myanmar/Burma (based in Hanoi) and through the mechanisms of the EU and UN to ensure that human rights are respected in Myanmar/Burma, including those of the Rohingya people.
As the Deputies are aware, opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has condemned local orders that have placed marriage and family size restrictions on the Rohingya community. She has been joined in her condemnation by the Special Rapporteur for the Human Rights Situation in Myanmar/Burma, Tomas Ojea Quintana, who has called these measures a clear-cut human rights violation. I support them in urging the Government of Myanmar/Burma to review and revoke all orders which violate international human rights standards.
Myanmar/Burma is currently undergoing a political, economic and social transition in which positive steps are being taken to transform the country and establish the country as a respected member of the international community. However, together with our international partners, Ireland recognises that complex challenges remain, particularly in regards to the Rohingya minority and other ethnic groups. In January 2013, the Irish Ambassador in Hanoi presented his credentials to become the first Ambassador of Ireland accredited to Myanmar/Burma. Following accreditation, the Ambassador met with both the President and Foreign Minister of Myanmar/Burma and discussed a range of issues, including the human rights situation in Rakhine State.
In March 2013, during a visit to Brussels by the President of Myanmar/Burma U Thein Sein, the EU and Myanmar/Burma agreed, among other things, to work in partnership to promote human rights and the rule of law for all people living in Myanmar/Burma, including the Rohingya community. At the 23rd session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in May/June of this year, Ireland and our fellow council members adopted a Presidential Statement regarding the Situation of Human Rights for Muslims in Myanmar/Burma. HRC members expressed deep concern at the gross violations of human rights against Muslims in Myanmar/Burma, including the Rohingya community, and urged the government there to grant full citizenship rights, to the Rohingya in Rakhine and review the 1982 Citizenship Law.
In regards to trade restrictions, on 22 April 2013 Ireland together with our EU partners decided to lift all restrictive measures on Myanmar/Burma, with the exception of the arms embargo and the embargo on equipment which might be used for internal repression. This decision was taken in light of the political and economic reforms that have been taking place in Myanmar/Burma since 2011. Also, in June 2013 during Ireland’s Presidency of the EU, the reinstatement of Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) for Myanmar/Burma was secured, and will help promote economic development in the country. Any move to re-impose sanctions would in my view be counterproductive.
Finally, officials from my Department have just returned from a scoping mission to Myanmar/Burma. They held meetings with a wide range of government, opposition, business and civil society figures, with a view to making recommendations on how Ireland can assist with the humanitarian situation, promote economic development, and increase linkages with Ireland. I expect to receive recommendations in this regard shortly.
