Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 November 2014
831. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has been appraised of international concern arising from persecution of Christians at various jurisdictions worldwide; if efforts are being made to promote the need for religious tolerance; the steps to be taken to address this issue and generate mutual respect between traditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41274/14]
View answerIreland condemns all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, irrespective of where they occur or who are the victims. Ireland is deeply concerned by the persecution of Christians. Ireland attaches great importance to combating all forms of discrimination based on religion or belief and incitement to religious hatred. We firmly believe in tolerance, non-discrimination, freedom of expression, freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief. Where possible, Ireland raises the issue of the safety of Christians through its official bilateral contacts with the countries in question, stressing the responsibility of the government to protect all citizens and minorities.
Ireland consistently promotes the need for religious tolerance, and presses for effective action to counter the persecution of minorities in all relevant international fora, including the EU and UN, in particular at the UN Human Rights Council. I highlighted the issue when I addressed the UN General Assembly in New York on 29 September. I also raised it during my meeting with UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon.
Ireland is working within the EU to address the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities, notably with the EU Guidelines on Freedom of Religion or Belief adopted during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union last year. These Guidelines provide EU officials with an overview of the legal and policy framework within which the right to freedom of religion or belief is protected. They also elaborate an EU strategy on how to engage with third countries on the right to freedom of religion or belief, a strategy which we hope to see bear fruit as we assess the implementation of the Guidelines.
I can assure the Deputy that Ireland will continue to actively support freedom of religion or belief across our foreign policy.
