Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2021
267. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps Ireland is taking to deal with the ongoing crisis in Ethiopia and in particular to the people suffering in Tigray; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59994/21]
View answerThe ongoing crisis in Ethiopia, including the recent escalation in military operations and declaration of a state of emergency, is having a devastating humanitarian impact on people across Ethiopia including and in particular Tigray.
Through our bilateral engagements, as well as within the European Union and at the UN Security Council, Ireland continues to advocate for urgent and unimpeded humanitarian access, a negotiated ceasefire, and political dialogue aimed at resolving the conflict.
I am alarmed by the conflict’s impact on civilians, including harrowing reports of widespread and ongoing sexual violence, and other serious violations and abuses of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. Accountability for violations of international law committed by all parties, including as described in the recent joint Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights/Ethiopian Human Rights Commission report, is essential.
There has been a shocking rise in hate speech, arbitrary arrests and detentions, including of UN staff, and other acts likely to fuel tensions. Human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms are universal and inalienable values that States must uphold. No individual should be deprived of their liberty without legal authority, or without necessary procedural protections.
It is clear there can be no military solution to this crisis. I strongly support the efforts of African Union Envoy, former Nigerian President Obasanjo, and by President Kenyatta of Kenya to mediate a way forward.
Ireland has been to the fore of efforts to address the conflict at the Security Council. Working closely with the African members of the Council, on 5 November we secured agreement on the first Council statement in six months on the situation, which called for a cessation of hostilities and ceasefire negotiations, alongside respect of international humanitarian law, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, the re-establishment of public services, and the scaling up of humanitarian assistance.
We continue to push for a strong and constructive EU response to the crisis. At the Foreign Affairs Council in October and again last month, Minister Coveney emphasised the need to ensure humanitarian access, to halt the fighting, and to incentivise dialogue —including through possible use of restrictive measures if required.
Ireland was the first country to commit funds to mitigate the humanitarian consequences of the current crisis, with to date over €4.4 million in humanitarian aid disbursed. Notwithstanding the recent decision of the Ethiopian authorities to restrict the size of our Embassy in Addis Ababa, my Department will disburse a further €16 million in Irish Aid funding over the coming weeks to humanitarian partners operating in Ethiopia including UN OCHA, UNICEF, UNFPA and the International Rescue Committee. We will continue to prioritise humanitarian need while this crisis persists.
