Seán Haughey
Question:435. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position of Ireland regarding recent political events in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42245/21]
View answerThursday, 9 September 2021
Questions (435)
Written answers
I am gravely concerned at recent developments in Afghanistan. In particular I am concerned at the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation, the Taliban’s approach to human rights, and to the rights of women and girls and minorities in particular, as well as the need for safe passage out of Afghanistan for foreign nationals and at-risk Afghans.
I have raised these issues internationally, including at the UN Security Council. At an emergency meeting of the Council on Afghanistan on 16 August, Ireland reiterated earlier calls on the Taliban to end its violent campaign, called for compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law and the protection of civilians, and highlighted the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan.
Ireland worked intensively with other Council members on the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2593/21 on 30 August. That Resolution strongly condemned the Kabul Airport attacks on 26 August, reaffirmed the importance of human rights, humanitarian assistance, and the need to allow safe passage. Language proposed by Ireland on the importance of ensuring the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in a negotiated political settlement is a key part of that Resolution and its adoption by the Council has sent a clear and united message to the Taliban.
I will also be chairing a meeting of the Council on Afghanistan on 9 September. A key issue at that meeting will be the future role of the UN Assistance Mission and how it can contribute to supporting the people of Afghanistan, ensuring humanitarian access, and protecting the rights of Afghan women and girls to education, healthcare, and participation in public life.
I also participated in detailed discussions on Afghanistan with EU Foreign Ministers and EU Defence Ministers at our informal meetings in Slovenia on 2-3 September. EU Ministers agreed that engagement with any future Afghan government will be conditional on criteria including a peaceful and inclusive political settlement and respect for fundamental rights of all Afghans, particularly women and girls, and minorities. EU Council Conclusions outlining this position in more detail are likely to be adopted in the coming week.
At national level, on 16 August I announced, with the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and the Minister for Justice, that places would be allocated immediately to vulnerable Afghan nationals under the Refugee Protection Programme. Approximately 300 places have since been allocated. Priority has been given to those working on human rights issues, including the rights of women and girls, as well as those working with NGOs, independent media and European and international organisations.
Finally, I have approved the provision of an additional €1 million in humanitarian support to the UN High Commission for Refugees to help the people of Afghanistan and those who have fled to neighbouring countries.