Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 January 2022
61. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the latest contacts that he or his Departmental officials have had with the government of Kazakhstan following the repression of protest movements there including the use of live ammunition to kill protesters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3912/22]
View answer71. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has discussed the recent uprising in Kazakhstan with his counterparts in Europe; if he will report on his discussions in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3927/22]
View answer81. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the brutal repression of uprising in Kazakhstan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3840/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 61, 71 and 81 together.
I continue to be deeply concerned by recent developments in Kazakhstan. 225 people are reported to have been killed in violent clashes, and over 12,000 people arrested. Kazakh authorities have indicated that almost 1,000 people are still detained. It appears that initially peaceful protests at the beginning of the year rapidly escalated into violent clashes between apparently well-organised groups and the authorities. I welcome that calm has now been largely restored.
However, I am particularly concerned at reports that orders to open fire with lethal force were issued. The UN Special Rapporteur on counter-terrorism and human rights has called for an independent, impartial, effective and public investigation to determine the legality of the use of force and to ensure accountability when lethal force was used by security services, law enforcement or the military. Ireland supports this call. Any domestic investigation must consider Kazakhstan's international human rights obligations.
Ireland will use our platforms at the EU and the UN to emphasise the importance of protecting the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Kazakhstan’s people. If people wish to assemble peacefully and express their wish for democratic or economic reforms, that is their right and it must be protected. Ireland supported the 8 January statement of High Representative Josep Borrell Fontelles on the situation in Kazakhstan. He urged Kazakhstan’s authorities to uphold their commitments including respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of their citizens, particularly, the freedom of assembly, freedom of expression, and of the media
I have not been in direct contact with the Government of Kazakhstan or civil society organisations in that country in recent weeks, but my officials and I will use any bilateral opportunities that arise to raise Ireland’s concerns.
The Embassy of Ireland in Moscow remains in contact with a number of Irish citizens resident in Kazakhstan. The Embassy is available to provide consular assistance to any Irish citizens who may require it.
