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Human Rights

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2019

Tuesday, 16 April 2019

Questions (83)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

83. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which he is addressing the negative consequences to the current cobalt rush in the Democratic Republic of Congo resulting from increased popularity of electric vehicles in developed countries; the way in which he plans to address the wide spectrum of corruption in the cobalt trade combined with abuses such as child labour at and around cobalt mine sites and links to state sanctioned violence and grand corruption; the extent to which he has incorporated the findings from a report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17477/19]

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Written answers

Ireland plays an active role in seeking to address the underlying causes of instability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in the Great Lakes sub-Region. The Embassy of Ireland in Dar Es Salaam is accredited to the DRC, and actively monitors developments there, including through regular engagement with the EU, UN and bilateral partners.  These engagements provide a forum to raise growing concern regarding the impact of cobalt mining, and the lack of transparency in the cobalt supply chain in the DRC.  My Department will continue to support efforts to insist on greater transparency in supply chains, and adherence to fundamental human rights norms.

My Department provides around €11 million annually to the DRC, which helps enable vulnerable communities to articulate their rights to access, sustainable use and management of natural resources.

My Department also actively supports the EU’s engagement in the DRC to address causes of instability.  The current European Development Programme for the DRC includes a priority to strengthen governance and the rule of law.

Ireland supports the continued and extended mandate of the MONUSCO UN Peacekeeping mission, including through the deployment of peacekeepers.  MONUSCO supports the stabilisation and strengthening of State institutions in the DRC and key governance and security reforms. Ireland has also regularly contributed to debates on the DRC at the Human Rights Council, most recently in March 2019, calling on the DRC to address concerns raised in relation to fundamental freedoms and civil society space.

A Better World, Ireland’s new policy for international development outlines the Government’s vision of a more equal, peaceful and sustainable world through interventions aimed at tacking challenges including conflict, climate change and intensifying inequality. Effective and accountable institutions, underpinned by strong governance and adherence to the rule of law, are central to upholding human rights, strengthening accountability and fighting corruption, and to the reduction of poverty.

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