Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 June 2014
40. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps Ireland is taking regarding the appointment of a person (details supplied), as President of the United Nations General Assembly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24998/14]
View answerThe post of President of the UN General Assembly rotates on a regional basis. Each year, one of the regional groups nominates an individual as President of the General Assembly, who is then appointed by acclamation [i.e. without a formal voting process] for a one-year term. Mr. Kutesa is the sole candidate this year for nomination to the post. The anti-homosexuality law clearly conflicts with Uganda’s binding international obligations to uphold human rights. It is a threat to Uganda’s gay community and an affront to all those who value tolerance, respect and dignity of all people. Ireland and our partners in the European Union, as well as many other States, have made our strong opposition to the Ugandan Government’s policy clear in contacts with the Ugandan government. Indeed, the Minister of State for Trade and Development met with representatives of human rights groups working on LGBTI issues in Uganda in December 2013 and assured them of Ireland’s continued support for their human rights. The role of the President of the UN General Assembly is simply to preside over the sessions of the General Assembly and manage its business. He/she has no competence in relation to individual policy issues and does not influence the work of the UN or its agencies in day to day operations. Furthermore, the President of the General Assembly does not chair any Committee of the General Assembly, for example the Third Committee which handles human rights issues. This responsibility rests with individual member States. If any effort were made to advance an unacceptable human rights agenda, this would be vigorously contested by Ireland and most other UN member States.
Ireland remains committed to ensuring that the people of Uganda do not suffer violence or discrimination on the grounds of their sexual orientation. Ireland will continue to play a positive role in support of human rights and equality at every opportunity, be it in Uganda, at the United Nations, or elsewhere.
