Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 November 2014
114. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the international community continues to apply pressure in Syria and other locations in the Middle East with particular reference to the need to cater for refugees and hostages and where possible bring about a halt in hostilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45529/14]
View answerIreland will continue to support all international efforts, including by the EU and UN, to promote a political resolution of the current conflict in both Syria and Iraq. We will also continue to address the humanitarian consequences of the conflict and provide urgent assistance and support to the civilian populations within Syria and Iraq who have been displaced or suffered violations of their rights at the hands of ISIS and other extremists.
Ireland is working to support strongly all international efforts, led by the UN Special Envoy, Steffan di Mistura, to promote a political resolution based on the Geneva principles and which provide for transition to an agreed, democratic form of government and the holding of genuinely free national elections in Syria.
There must be accountability for the horrific violations of human rights perpetrated against the Syrian people. Ireland has long called for referral of the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court as an important step in establishing any sustainable framework for peace in Syria. There must also be accountability for the criminal acts committed by terrorist groups against civilians of all nationalities.
Since 2011, Ireland has provided over €28 million in humanitarian support to Syria, delivered through UN partners and NGOs. In addition we have provided €1.15 million in funding to our partner organisations responding to the crisis in neighbouring Iraq. Ireland has consistently advocated for safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, as well as for respect by all parties of International Humanitarian Law.
In view of the immense needs in Syria and neighbouring countries hosting Syrian refugees, Ireland will continue to advocate for a comprehensive regional response and increased support to host countries which is crucial to defuse the growing tension between host and refugee communities that could further exacerbate and extend this already entrenched and complicated conflict. In view of the immense needs in Syria and neighbouring countries hosting Syrian refugees, Ireland will continue to provide assistance within our means as the situation evolves.
There can be no complacency about the threat which ISIS and other extremists represent or about the need for urgent international action to confront this threat to us all. This requires a wide range of actions including security responses to deny ISIS the freedom to attack civilians, action by the new Iraqi Government to promote inclusivity and ensure real Sunni representation within Iraq’s political system and Government, as well as achieving a political resolution to the Syrian conflict. Humanitarian relief is also a critical component of the response to mass displacement of civilians fleeing the threat from ISIS and other terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq.
UN Security Council Resolutions 2170 and 2178 adopted in recent months require all UN Member States to implement comprehensive measures to address the threat of terrorism including through such measures as taking active steps to prevent travel by persons suspected of planning or intending to participate in terrorist acts; cooperation in exchanging information on actions and movement by terrorists; prevention of recruitment and radicalisation of possible members of such groups, including through community outreach initiatives, and denying financial transfers to terrorist groups; and supporting the provision of bilateral assistance to States in developing national capacities to respond to foreign terrorist fighters.
