Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2018
85. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he or his officials have contacted his Pakistani counterpart in relation to the treatment of a person (details supplied) and the refusal to allow them to leave Pakistan until the verdict is reviewed; if he has considered offering asylum to the person and their family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48122/18]
View answerUnder Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Ireland works within and alongside the EU and UN to address the persecution of religious minorities wherever it occurs. I am, of course, aware of the case of Asia Bibi, a Pakistani woman convicted in 2010 of Blasphemy and sentenced to death. Following an appeal, the Supreme Court of Pakistan recently overturned her conviction.
Minister Flanagan raised concerns on the blasphemy laws with his Pakistani counterpart on the margins of the UN General Assembly in September 2016. Minister Flanagan also raised the case with the Pakistani Chargé d’Affaires in January 2016. The European Union has also raised the case with the Pakistani authorities. I continue to follow developments in the case and strongly condemn all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, irrespective of where they occur and who the victims are.
Ireland attaches great importance to the fundamental human rights of freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief. I am well aware of the vulnerable situation of persons belonging to religious minorities in Pakistan and will continue to raise the issue with the Pakistan Government as well as through the framework and mechanisms of the European Union and the United Nations.
Ms. Bibi has not applied for asylum in Ireland to date. Any request for international protection in Ireland from Ms. Bibi would be looked upon favourably by the Minister for Justice and Equality.
