Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 May 2017
622. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the news from Chechnya regarding the arrest, detention and murder of men due to their sexuality; the steps he will take to condemn the treatment of gay men in Chechnya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19240/17]
View answer623. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to reports of large-scale attacks on and illegal detention of LGBT citizens in Chechnya; if his Department is investigating the reports; and if he will raise the issue with his Russian counterpart. [19270/17]
View answer626. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to reports of repression against gay men in Chechnya; if he has made representations to the Russian Federation in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19415/17]
View answer627. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the allegation that gay men have been detained in prison camps in Chechnya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19449/17]
View answer630. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he has taken to address the persecution of gay persons in Chechnya; if he has raised the matter with Russian and or Chechen representatives; and if he has brought proposals to Cabinet to provide refuge for persons that are suffering such persecution. [19784/17]
View answer650. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will raise with the Russian Ambassador the allegations published in a newspaper (details supplied) that gay men are being arrested, detained, tortured and killed in the Russian Republic of Chechnya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20847/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 622, 623, 626, 627, 630 and 650 together.
I am aware of alarming reports by international human rights organisations and in the media of a campaign of abduction, abuse and ill-treatment of men in the Chechen Republic on the basis of their sexual orientation. If confirmed, these actions would amount to serious violations of fundamental human rights.
In a statement delivered to the Seanad on my behalf by Minister Helen McEntee on 12 April, I joined in the widespread calls for the Russian Government to urgently undertake a full and thorough investigation into these reports and to ensure that any individuals found to have committed crimes be brought to justice. I also emphasised Russia’s international obligations to ensure the safety of all persons who may be at risk of persecution. This call was reiterated by the Irish Ambassador to the Council of Europe at a meeting of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers on 19 April.
The European Union is also pressing the Russian authorities to ensure that the allegations are fully investigated and that those fleeing persecution are given full protection. The EU High Representative Federica Mogherini raised the matter during a meeting with the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on 24 April. HR Mogherini highlighted the serious concerns of the European Union and its Member states over the allegations and urged the government to take the necessary steps to ensure that the rights of the gay community in Chechnya are respected, in line with Russia’s international human rights commitments.
