Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 November 2020
12. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he and his EU and UN colleagues are alert to the situation in Armenia, Azerbaijan, in respect of Nagorno-Karabakh and Ethiopia-Sudan horn of Africa; the degree to which initiatives have been taken to address the humanitarian issues arising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38273/20]
View answerIreland has consistently called for a cessation of hostilities and we welcome the agreement reached by Armenia and Azerbaijan to end the military conflict in and around Nagorno Karabakh. We remain deeply concerned for the humanitarian situation in the region, where hostilities have had a devastating impact on local civilian populations. Ensuring access for humanitarian organisations must be a top priority to avoid further catastrophe as we head into the winter months. Ireland and the EU will fully support efforts to help bring about a sustainable and lasting peace and we will continue to provide humanitarian assistance. In that regard, we note the key role that the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees will continue to play.
I am deeply concerned by the outbreak of armed conflict in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, including the reported atrocities and ethnic profiling, and the humanitarian consequences. Ireland is actively supporting the efforts of the EU and wider international community to de-escalate the situation, including through engagement with the African Union which has appointed three Special Envoys. Minister Coveney has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, and the commencement of a national dialogue to de-escalate tensions. Minister Coveney has also condemned the reported atrocities and identity-based attacks. It is essential to ensure that the human rights of all Ethiopians are upheld. I am gravely concerned by reports that Ethiopia’s federal military has said civilians should protect themselves from heavy artillery, in advance of a planned assault against the regional capital. I urge all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law.
Ireland is also a longstanding humanitarian supporter of the wider Horn of Africa region. In the context of the Tigray crisis my Department has reallocated €416,000 for the humanitarian response within Ethiopia and €500,000 to assist refugees in Eastern Sudan.
