Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 November 2013
148. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the international community has established visiting rights in respect of prisoners held by the various protagonists in the Middle East with particular reference to the need to ensure that basic human rights are observed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49543/13]
View answerIn its engagement with countries across the Middle East region, the EU works to advance protection of human rights as a standard element in its dialogue with all these countries. This includes the full range of human rights issues, including issues relating to prisoners.The conditions relating to prisoners, including issues such as visiting rights, vary from country to country across the Middle East region and it is not possible to characterise them generally. While the situation in relation to such prisoners may in many cases be less than satisfactory, we are at least able to press for better treatment for them. We are also conscious, however, of numerous instances of persons held in various territories by non-state actors, who are in general accorded no visiting rights at all, and no assurance of their wellbeing or indeed their safety.
