Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2015
123. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he has taken to raise lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights internationally, in particular with states that criminalise sexual relations between persons of the same sex. [36990/15]
View answerThe promotion and protection of the rights of LGBTI individuals is a priority for Ireland in our international human rights advocacy, including our engagement at the UN Human Rights Council, at EU meetings and through our diplomatic network. Ireland attaches importance to combating all forms of discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity and we strongly believe that consensual, same-sex relationships should not be criminalised. I am delighted that Ireland became the first country in the world to introduce same sex marriage through a national referendum in May 2015 and I would urge other States to follow suit and to promote the rights for LGBTI citizens.
Ireland has been active in progressing the rights of LGBTI persons at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC). Ireland identified the advancement of rights for LGBTI persons as a priority for the term of our HRC membership from 2013 to 2015. During these three years we have consistently highlighted discrimination against LGBTI persons and worked with other countries to ensure that this issue is now firmly embedded in the work of the HRC. Most recently, at the 29th session of the Human Rights Council in June 2015, Ireland supported a joint statement led by Colombia on violence and discrimination against individuals on the grounds of their sexual orientation and gender identity.
We also have an opportunity through the UN Universal Periodic Review mechanism, which involves a peer review of the human rights records of all United Nations members, to raise a range of issues with our UN partners. Ireland has made recommendations in respect of 20 countries specifically on questions relating to sexual orientation and gender identity.
During the Irish Presidency of the EU in 2013, Ireland facilitated and made substantial input into the EU Guidelines on LGBTI issues which were adopted at the meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers (Foreign Affairs Council) on 24 June 2013. The Guidelines provide a concise overview of the human rights issues facing LGBTI persons in third countries, and provide EU officials and diplomats of EU member states, including Ireland, with an overview of the legal and policy framework within which LGBTI rights are protected. They also prioritise areas of concern which can lead to action by the EU; actions such as combating discriminatory laws and policies; combating LGBTI-phobic violence; and the protection of human rights defenders.
Ireland’s Policy for International Development also strongly affirms Ireland’s commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights. Our aid programme supports civil society organisations and human rights defenders who are uniquely placed to ensure that the voices of the most marginalised are heard and that their rights are defended. In addition our Embassies work directly, and in co-operation with other EU member states, to engage with Governments on a range of governance and human rights issues, including the rights of the LGBTI community.
Our diplomatic network has been active in advocacy relating to LGBTI rights; this advocacy has dealt with the issue of decriminalisation, concerns we have about new laws criminalising homosexuality and by supporting civil society organisations that are active in this field, many of whom are operating in very difficult environments.
