Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
427. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the situation in Pakistan (details supplied); if discussions have taken place within his Department in respect of the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42110/21]
View answerOur Embassy in Ankara, which is accredited to Pakistan, is aware of the situation in question which arose out of alleged blasphemy charges against a minor. Media reports, based on comments by the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Interfaith Harmony, indicate that the case against the minor has been closed and that action is being taken against the police officers who registered the case.
Ireland has consistently condemned all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, irrespective of where they occur or who the victims are. The right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion is guaranteed by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which has been ratified by Pakistan. I am concerned by reports regarding the position of religious minority groups in Pakistan and alleged misuse of blasphemy laws.
Ireland actively engages with Pakistan on human rights issues both bilaterally and multilaterally through EU and UN channels. In the context of our bilateral relationship Ambassador Sonya McGuinness met with Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Human Rights, Shireen Mazari, earlier this year to discuss human rights challenges in Pakistan, including freedom of religion.
EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Mr. Eamon Gilmore also met with Minister Mazari, as part of ongoing EU-Pakistan human rights dialogue in the context of the EU's Strategic Engagement Plan (SEP) with Pakistan which aims at strengthening cooperation in many areas, including to “enhance intercultural and inter-faith dialogue and understanding to promote tolerance and harmony”.
Most recently, at the EU-Pakistan Joint Commission in June 2021, the EU raised its concerns specifically about the abuse of blasphemy laws by certain groups. Ireland participates actively in EU dialogues with Pakistan.
