Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2015
396. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the human rights issues of Honduran people in the Aguan Valley in Honduras have been addressed, as requested by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19384/15]
View answerI am aware of the organisation the Deputy mentions and officials from my Department have met with their representative to hear their experiences and concerns as human rights defenders in their part of Honduras. This meeting took place while we were in the process of considering our recommendations to Honduras for their Universal Periodic Review at the UN Human Rights Council. As a matter of principle, Ireland is always open to, and welcomes consultation with, civil society as part of the UPR process.
Since the establishment of the Human Rights Council in March 2006, Ireland has engaged proactively with the Universal Periodic Review process. This allows for the review of the domestic human rights records of all 193 UN Member States, based on their international human rights obligations. It is aimed at improving the human rights situation on the ground and addressing human rights violations wherever they occur. Any UN Member State can take part in the interactive dialogue, and the process enables UN Member States to raise issues and to make recommendations about the protection and promotion of human rights in the State concerned.
In the case of Honduras, Ireland made two recommendations, on legislation to protect human rights defenders, and to guarantee the protection and the effective access to justice for women who are victims of violence.
