Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2018
88. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is continuing to raise the persecution of LGBT citizens in Tanzania with his Tanzanian counterpart; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is deep concern for the safety and security of LGBT citizens in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48133/18]
View answer‘The Global Island: Ireland’s Foreign Policy For Changing World’ states clearly that: “We are committed to promoting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) individuals, who continue to suffer disproportionate levels of violence and face systemic discrimination in many countries.” There is no situation in which a person’s fundamental human rights should be prejudiced because of their sexual orientation.
This clear policy informed the Tánaiste’s letter to the Foreign Minister of Tanzania, Mr Augustine Mahiga, immediately upon learning of statements by the Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner targeting members of the LGBTI+ community. The Tánaiste called upon the Tanzanian Government to ensure the protection of LGBTI+ people in line with Tanzania’s national and international human rights commitments.
Minister Mahiga subsequently issued a formal statement, distancing his Government from the Regional Commissioner’s comments and reiterating Tanzania’s commitment to uphold its international human rights obligations.
My Department, including through the Embassy of Ireland in Dar es Salaam, is monitoring the situation in Tanzania and working closely with partners in support of the protection and promotion of human rights.
The EU and its Member States consistently raise concerns with many countries on changing human rights environments, including stressing the importance of free speech. My officials are contributing to a broad review of EU relations with Tanzania which the EU agreed due to the changing context in Tanzania. This review is currently ongoing.
