Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 October 2018
183. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if financial support to assist the Yazidi, including support to assist with therapy and treatment, has been considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43341/18]
View answer184. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he has taken at European level to assist the Yazidi; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43342/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 183 and 184 together.
The Government attaches great importance to combatting all forms of discrimination or persecution based on religion or belief, as well as incitement to religious hatred, irrespective of where it occurs or who the victims are. We firmly believe in tolerance, non-discrimination, freedom of expression, freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief. Many minority religious and ethnic communities across the Middle East are vulnerable to violence by state and non-state actors, including terrorist attacks. Ireland has consistently called for inclusive, democratic solutions to the conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa region.
I participated in the Third International Conference on the victims of ethnic and religious violence in the Middle East, which took place in Brussels in May this year. The Conference brought together 67 countries and 13 international organisations, to find ways to further support the members of the communities targeted by Da’esh and other extremist organisations for ethnic or religious reasons, particularly in Iraq and Syria.
I unreservedly condemn the brutal atrocities which terrorist groups, including Da’esh, have inflicted in Iraq and Syria, including against religious minorities, notably the Yazidis. I am appalled by the suffering of the innocent people caught up in these events, especially women and girls who were targeted by sexual and gender-based violence. While the situation has improved, with a successful fight back against Da’esh in Iraq and Syria, challenges remain in terms of healing the trauma these groups have endured, ensuring humanitarian aid reaches them, and ensuring displaced populations can return to their homelands once it is safe to do so.
In the Iraqi context, Ireland has always emphasised that the security effort must be accompanied by national reconciliation to ensure an inclusive state, allowing for political, economic and social opportunities for all. The January 2018 EU Foreign Affairs Council conclusions on Iraq reiterated the EU’s firm and active commitment to the preservation of the multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multi-confessional nature of Iraqi society, including the protection of its minority groups, building on the bond of a common national identity and inclusive citizenship. The EU stands ready to support Iraqi and international efforts to hold members of Da'esh to account, and ensure accountability for human rights violations and abuses, including war crimes and crimes against humanity, as well as acts against persons belonging to minority groups. Ireland fully supports these conclusions.
Since 2012, Ireland has provided just over €9.5 million in humanitarian assistance to Iraq including €2 million to the UN Iraq Humanitarian Fund (IHF) in 2018 alone. The IHF ensures funding is allocated to the best-placed organisations, and that these funds are targeted towards those in greatest need.
Ireland also contributes to the EU’s humanitarian response in Iraq which has provided over €40 million this year. This funding goes to the most vulnerable people, for a range of services. This includes a grant in recent months of €5 million towards emergency reproductive and mental health care for victims of violence.
