Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 March 2021
425. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland is supportive of the introduction of fundamental rights and liberties particularly for women in Saudi Arabia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12529/21]
View answerProtecting and promoting human rights is a cornerstone of Ireland’s foreign policy. Ireland has consistently supported women human rights defenders and continually advocates for the freedom of all civil society actors to operate in a safe and enabling environment.
We acknowledge the progress that Saudi Arabia has made in recent years on human rights in a number of areas, particularly gender equality, penal reform and a decrease in the use of the death penalty. However we remain concerned regarding civil liberties and in particular the ongoing detention of a number of women’s rights defenders. Ireland has raised our concerns on these issues bilaterally with the Saudi authorities.
Ireland also raises these issues in international fora. At the most recent Human Rights Council in February, Ireland co-signed a Joint Statement which expressed concern at the continued restrictions on political and civil rights in Saudi Arabia.
We welcome that plans are advancing to establish an EU-Saudi Arabia Human Rights Dialogue. This will provide a valuable additional forum to discuss human rights issues.
