Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2021
415. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will use Ireland’s position on the United Nations Security Council to ensure a human rights observation mission is added to the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara mandate when it is renewed in October 2021. [24700/21]
View answerIreland has a long tradition of contributing to UN peace keeping missions and we have maintained a continuous presence in these missions since 1958. During our time on the Security Council we are focused on improving the mandates of UN peacekeeping missions to ensure that they align with the needs of the populations that they serve and are adequately resourced, including in the case of MINURSO.
Ireland’s long-standing position on Western Sahara is one of full support for MINURSO, the UN-led process and the Secretary General’s efforts to bring about a definitive and mutually acceptable political settlement on this issue. The UN path is, in our view, the only path forward.
The Council, in UNSCR 2548 of 2020, called on the parties to the conflict to develop and implement independent and credible measures to ensure full respect for human rights and has encouraged enhancing cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), including by facilitating visits of the High Commissioner to the region.
The Council held closed consultations on Western Sahara on the 21st of April in which Ireland made clear its longstanding position and urged de-escalation. Ireland has called on all parties to respect the terms of the ceasefire agreement of 1991, to fulfil their obligations under international law, including ensuring full respect for human rights, and to refrain from taking any actions that could lead to further destabilisation of the situation on the ground.
Peacekeeping has an essential role to play in protecting civilians and promoting respect for human rights. In advance of the mandate renewal process in October, Ireland will work with other Security Council members to consider how to best support the promotion of respect for human rights, accountability and compliance with international law through the mission.
