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Human Rights Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 May 2014

Wednesday, 28 May 2014

Questions (7)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

7. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions he is taking with his counterparts to address ongoing human rights violations in Burma, including the reported use of rape and sexual violence by armed forces there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23129/14]

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Written answers

Human rights have been a priority of successive Irish governments, and are a key dimension of our foreign policy. Ireland works bilaterally and through the EU and UN to ensure that human rights are respected in Myanmar/Burma. Earlier this month, EU Foreign Ministers approved the establishment of a formal EU-Myanmar Human Rights Dialogue. The first such Dialogue took place in Myanmar on 20th May. It was co-chaired by the EU Special Representative for Human Rights and the Myanmar Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and covered major issues of concern with regard to human rights.

In March, the UN Human Rights Council, of which Ireland is currently a member, adopted an EU-led resolution on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, and urged the Government of Myanmar to step up its efforts to put an end to such remaining human rights violations and abuses. The resolution reiterated the Council’s serious concern about the situation of the Rohingya and other minorities in Rakhine State. Also in March, the UN called on the Myanmar authorities to fully investigate current and historical human rights violations, and urged the government, with the support of the UN, to put in place a comprehensive protection and service response for survivors. In April, Ireland was involved in organising with several NGOs an event at UN Headquarters in New York that focused on sexual violence in Myanmar. It featured interventions from a Burmese woman human rights activist, Naw K’nyaw Paw, and Ireland’s Permanent Representative to the UN, David Donoghue.

Ireland and our international partners recognise that complex challenges remain in Myanmar and will continue to urge its government to address human rights abuses. We will press for the Myanmar government to implement its commitment to open a local country office of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights which would have a mandate for monitoring and reporting on human rights issues.

Questions Nos. 8 to 12, inclusive, answered orally.
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