Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2015
895. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the European Union, in conjunction with the United Nations, continues to focus on the activities of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, with particular reference to the persecution of Christians and other persons of different religious beliefs; if any co-ordinated effort is emerging in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38401/15]
View answer896. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which supporters of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria continue to benefit from the taking of hostages for ransom; the extent to which cases are documented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38402/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 895 and 896 together.
Together with our EU partners, I fully support the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions to address the threat posed to international peace and security by the ISIS group, consistent with international law. In this context, Security Council Resolution 2170 (2014) recalled that “widespread or systematic attacks against any civilian populations because of their ethnic or political background, religion or belief may constitute a crime against humanity” and emphasised “the need to ensure that ISIL” and other groups, including those associated with Al-Qaida, “are held accountable for abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law ”.
Ireland has co-sponsored a resolution to the United Nations Security Council calling for referral of the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court. I regret that this resolution was vetoed by two permanent members of the Council.
I have expressed on many occasions my deep concerns and frustration at the blockages in the Security Council. Ireland is an active member of the ACT (Accountability, Coherence and Transparency) Group which is promoting reforms to the Council’s working methods to improve its effectiveness. The ACT recently proposed a Code of Conduct for Security Council action against genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. 104 UN Member States are currently supporting the Code, including nine of the fifteen present members of the Council and three of the five incoming elected members.
My Department has no specific information on kidnappings by ISIS or ransoms paid on foot of such actions.
