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Humanitarian Aid Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 November 2014

Wednesday, 26 November 2014

Questions (27)

Brendan Smith

Question:

27. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on Irish humanitarian aid efforts in Syria; his position with regard to the continuous threat posed by ISIS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44991/14]

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Written answers

The scale and severity of the crisis in Syria and the surrounding region requires a sustained response from the international community. Ireland is one of the most generous contributors to the humanitarian response on a per capita basis. At the Second International Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria and the region held in Kuwait last January, Ireland pledged to provide €12 million in humanitarian assistance over the course of 2014. Given the scale of the crisis, we have already exceeded this pledge by €2 million. 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 matched our material humanitarian contribution with concrete support to international efforts led by the UN to find a sustainable political solution to the crisis, and to advocate 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 weeks 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.

Ireland 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.

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