Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2018
112. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the hostile approach adopted by the Argentine state towards the indigenous Mapuche people in Argentina; his plans to address matters in this regard (details supplied) with his Argentine counterpart; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7368/18]
View answerI am aware of the situation of the Mapuche community in Argentina and the concerns that have been expressed as to their welfare. I am also aware of the historic and continued challenges faced by indigenous populations in many parts of Latin America.
I condemn unreservedly any intimidation, violence, or discrimination perpetrated against indigenous peoples and those seeking to defend their rights, whether in Argentina or elsewhere. I have asked officials at our Embassy in Buenos Aires to report back to me on the particular cases which the Deputy raises and to monitor developments.
In relation to the case of Mr. Maldonado, I echo the statement made by the Committee against Enforced Disappearances of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, recalling the obligation of the Argentine State to carry out an independent investigation into the circumstances of his disappearance and death, and to bring the perpetrators of any potential wrongdoing to justice.
Consistent with our commitment to the advancement of indigenous rights in Latin America, Ireland made a statement at the 28th Session of the Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on 6 November 2017 expressing concern that the implementation of legislation on human rights in Argentina remained weak in some cases, and that this implementation gap disproportionately affected vulnerable members of Argentine society, including members of indigenous communities. In that regard, Ireland recommended that Argentina develop and implement, in close consultation with civil society, a national human rights plan with clear, specific and measurable goals.
In addition to representations at multilateral level, officials of my Department meet regularly with human rights activists and civil society leaders in Latin America, including those working on indigenous rights. My Department also makes a financial contribution to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to support its work protecting and vindicating human rights in the region.
I can assure the Deputy of the ongoing engagement of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with issues affecting indigenous communities in Latin America.
