Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 June 2021
128. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will use Ireland’s position on the United Nations Security Council to ensure that a United Nations database of companies operating in occupied Western Sahara is established similar to that which currently exists for occupied Palestine. [29907/21]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my reply to Question no.178 on 27 May 2021 which addressed the publication of a database of all business enterprises involved in activities relating to Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory.
The mandate for the database indicated arises from the Human Rights Council, and not from the UN Security Council. The database was published by the High Commissioner for Human Rights in February 2020 pursuant to a Human Rights Council Resolution 31/36 of March 2016.
The situation in Western Sahara is not analogous and needs to be analysed in its own context. Ireland’s longstanding position 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. A particularly urgent priority is the appointment of a new personal Envoy of the Secretary-General and this is a focus of current international diplomatic efforts.
