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Human Rights

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 June 2021

Thursday, 24 June 2021

Questions (270, 271, 272)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

270. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps likely to be taken by the international community in order to address human rights and trafficking abuses of women and children in various conflict zones across the globe; the extent to which Ireland can use its influence on the UN Security Council to highlight the necessity to address such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34200/21]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

271. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the role of the UN can be expanded to make a more meaningful impact in various conflict zones across the globe with a view to protecting women and children, the discontinuation of the recruitment of child soldiers and trafficking in women and children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34201/21]

View answer

Bernard Durkan

Question:

272. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which the international community has identified the most serious incidents of trafficking of women and children globally with a view to positive intervention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34202/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 270 to 272, inclusive, together.

Ireland is a strong contributor to European Union and United Nations efforts to eliminate human rights violations. This includes our work across the UN system, including at the UN Security Council, UN General Assembly, and at the UN Human Rights Council. The rights of women and children are central to our engagement and especially so in regards to conflict zones. 

At the UN Security Council the issue of trafficking in persons and the issue of child soldiers are considered in the context of certain country-specific discussions. Ireland actively engages in these discussions in addition to co-chairing the Security Council’s Informal Expert Group on Women, Peace and Security. UN Security Council resolution 2331 on Islamic State, recognised the trafficking of women and girls in conflicts as a form of violence against women.

Ireland is also a member of the UN Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict which addresses the issue of child soldiers and ensures follow up of the recommendations at country level. Additionally, Ireland seeks to mainstream child protection across the work of the Council.

Ireland also engages actively at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC). The 47th session of the Council began on 21 June and Ireland will make national statements on a broad range of thematic issues and country-specific human rights situations including in regard to trafficking and violence against women. My Department meets regularly with the UN Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, Professor Siobhán Mullally from NUI Galway. On 28 June Professor Mullally will present her report on the principle of non-punishment of victims of human trafficking and Ireland will deliver a national statement during the subsequent interactive dialogue.

At EU level, combating trafficking is a key priority in the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024. The Plan’s objectives include promoting measures to prevent and fully eradicate trafficking in human beings, including by countering impunity for all perpetrators involved.

Finally, Ireland provides core funding to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). IOM works in partnership with governments, the United Nations, international and non-governmental organizations, the private sector and development partners on all aspects of counter-trafficking responses: prevention, protection, and prosecution.

Question No. 271 answered with Question No. 270.
Question No. 272 answered with Question No. 270.
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