Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 September 2021
316. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the humanitarian assistance that is being provided to Myanmar due to the ongoing events in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44492/21]
View answer321. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts being made by Ireland to provide humanitarian relief to the people of Myanmar unilaterally and through the EU and the United Nations Security Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44693/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 316 and 321 together.
I strongly condemn the coup carried out by the Myanmar military and the attempts to consolidate or legitimise the military regime. I call for an end to violence, the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained, including the President and State Counsellor, and the restoration of a legitimate, civilian Government.
As a result of the coup, there is a political and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. The country is suffering from conflict, severe economic recession, large-scale displacement, collapsing public and health services and a significant surge in COVID-19 cases. This crisis affects not just Myanmar, but threatens the stability of the region. Ireland supports an urgent, international effort to address pressing humanitarian issues within Myanmar.
Ireland continues to provide humanitarian assistance for the most vulnerable communities in Myanmar and I have called on the Myanmar military to allow unhindered access to all regions for humanitarian workers. Ireland endorses the necessity of a clear separation between the political and humanitarian processes in Myanmar. Delivery of humanitarian aid must be free from political interference and not be linked to political, ethnic or other identity, used as leverage in negotiations, nor used to claim political legitimacy.
My Department continues to provide significant resources to humanitarian partners in Myanmar, with approximately €2.5 million approved for 2021 to date. In July, the Emergency Response Fund Scheme (ERFS) was activated in support of a project to ensure that women and girls affected by the crisis in the conflict affected Kayah State are protected from, and treated for, the consequences of Gender Based Violence.
My Department is also engaged in regular discussions with United Nations (UN) structures, International NGOs, Human Rights Groups and other organisations working actively on the ground. Ireland continues to engage with discussions at the UN Security Council which has expressed deep concerns regarding developments in Myanmar, strongly condemned the use of violence by the military, and called for the release of all those detained. While this united position is welcome, Ireland would also like to see the Security Council agree more tangible actions to ensure peace and democracy in Myanmar.
Ireland supports the adoption of the sanctions against the perpetrators of the coup and the economic entities that sustain them. In this regard, I endorsed the strong and comprehensive approach set out in the Council Conclusions adopted by the EU Foreign Affairs Council on February 22 and the adoption of sanctions on 22 March, 19 April and 21 June. We are currently working with the EU to consider further actions which will work to restore the democratic path in Myanmar and not negatively affect developmental gains or exacerbate the humanitarian situation.
The crisis remains on the agenda of the Security Council and Ireland will continue to actively engage for a peaceful solution to the crisis and for the delivery of humanitarian support. Through the UN and our Embassy network, we are encouraging all those who have influence on the military leadership to use it to find a political resolution to this crisis and protect the human rights of the people of Myanmar.
