Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 June 2016
140. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of the critical funding crisis facing the Inter-American Court on Human Rights; the implications that this crisis might have on cases such as that of a person (details supplied); and if he has taken steps through the European Union and bilateral communications with funding countries to address this crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16288/16]
View answerThe promotion and protection of human rights is a priority theme of Ireland’s foreign policy and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has made an extremely valuable contribution to addressing impunity and raising awareness of human rights abuses across the Americas. Officials from my Department met the Executive Secretary of the IACHR, Mr. Emilio Álvarez Icaza, during his visit to Dublin in March 2016 and reiterated Ireland’s support for and appreciation of the work of the IACHR. I am aware of the funding crisis currently faced by the organisation and officials from the Embassy of Ireland in Washington DC are following developments closely. Irish officials will also participate in a discussion on the issue at EU working group level in Brussels this week.
It is not clear at this stage what impact the funding crisis might have on petitions to the Inter-American court system. My officials will remain in close contact with the IACHR with a view to minimising any potential negative effects.
Ireland has in the past provided financial contributions to the IACHR for its work in supporting the work of human rights defenders in Latin America. However, the primary responsibility for ensuring the sustainable financing of the organisation and its activities lies with the States of the region. I echo the statement of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights who, in his address to the United Nations Human Rights Council on 13 June, called on the countries of the Americas to support their regional human rights system through regular financial contributions.
The specific case referred to by the Deputy remains a priority for the Government, and my Department is in ongoing contact with the family involved.
