Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 February 2014
60. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which human rights abuses in the Horn of Africa remain a concern for the international community; the steps taken or to be taken to address such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8576/14]
View answerThe human rights situation in the Horn of Africa remains a matter of concern. It has been is severely affected by the consequences of the humanitarian crisis in large parts of the region.
Ireland, together with our EU Partners, pursues a strategic and comprehensive approach to the Horn of Africa through the EU Strategic Framework for the Horn of Africa. This approach encompasses political and diplomatic engagement, development co-operation programming, humanitarian assistance, and support for peacekeeping operations. EU engagement aims to achieve peace, security and good governance based on the democratic principles of the rule of law and respect for human rights. The EU actively promotes human rights in the region through its support to human rights NGOs, promotion of women’s rights and support for a free and independent media. The EU has appointed a Special Representative to the Horn of Africa to co-ordinate EU efforts in the region.
Human rights concerns are central to our foreign policy. Together with our EU partners, Ireland closely monitors the human rights situations in countries of the Horn of Africa. Where and when the situation warrants, we make known our concerns about human rights violations to the Governments in question. We do this bilaterally, through the EU and at the UN General Assembly and in the UN Human Rights Council, of which we are a member for the period 2013 to 2015. Ireland supports the use of the full UN human rights machinery in responding to human rights abuses. This includes support for the role of UN Human Rights Treaty Monitoring Bodies, Special Procedure Mandate Holders and for the convening, where appropriate, of Special Sessions of the UN Human Rights Council.
