Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 March 2014
14. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the passing of Uganda's anti-gay bill into law will change Irelands diplomatic relationship with Uganda; if it will affect Irish Aid's programme in Uganda; and if he has discussed the issue with the Ugandan authorities since the bill became law. [10791/14]
View answer16. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action he plans to take after the passage of the anti-homosexuality bill in Uganda; if he will consider withdrawing our foreign aid that goes into the country; his plans to withdraw our ambassador or close the Embassy in Kampala; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10809/14]
View answer21. Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he is taking to raise the matter of the introduction of anti-gay legislation in Uganda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10991/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 16 and 21 together.
I am seriously concerned about the passing of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill by the Ugandan Parliament and its subsequent signing into law by President Museveni. I have made it clear, including in direct talks with President Museveni, that the enactment of this draconian legislation will affect our valued relationship with Uganda.
This legislation is in clear conflict with Uganda’s binding international obligations to uphold human rights. It is in contravention of the principle of non-discrimination in the Ugandan Constitution, in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and in the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, both of which have been ratified by Uganda. It is the responsibility of the Ugandan Government to uphold its international obligations to treat all citizens equally, regardless of their sexual orientation.
Ireland, together with our EU partners, has been actively engaged with the Ugandan Parliament and President Museveni in efforts to halt this regressive and discriminatory legislation since it was first proposed in 2009. We have engaged intensively since the Bill re-entered Parliament unexpectedly in December 2013. The new law is a threat to Uganda’s gay community and an affront to all those who value tolerance, respect and the dignity of all people. It will also undermine public health in a very practical way, including the efforts to combat the scourge of HIV/AIDS in Uganda.
The Government has consistently supported the promotion and protection of the human rights of all persons, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and we are strongly committed to combating all human rights violations against individuals on any basis. Our commitments in this area are fundamental to our foreign policy and our aid programme.
It is important to emphasise that no funding from Ireland’s aid budget is provided by way of direct support to the Government of Uganda, with the exception of the Office of the Auditor General, for its important work on fighting corruption. Our support to the poorest and most disadvantaged people in Uganda is provided through trusted non-Government channels. In this way, we are directly targeting the poorest and most vulnerable sections of society, including people living with HIV/AIDS, those experiencing chronic poverty in Karamoja, and those who are being subjected to Gender Based Violence.
Our foreign policy approach, our aid programme and our international reputation give Ireland a strong voice, in close co-operation with other partners, on vital human rights issues. We will continue to work internationally and in Uganda to promote human rights, including LGBTI rights, and to support human rights organisations and institutions, many of which are operating in very difficult environments. We strongly urge the Ugandan authorities to abolish all laws that contravene human rights obligations, including this regressive new legislation.
In working to protect and promote human rights, we also want to ensure that the poorest of the poor are not penalised for the faults of their Governments, and we will always work to find ways of delivering assistance effectively for the benefit of the poor.
A review of the future of Ireland’s partnership with Uganda has been planned in the coming period, and this will provide us with the opportunity to consider what we have achieved so far, and how we should work for the benefit of the people of Uganda in the future.
