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Human Rights

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2022

Tuesday, 10 May 2022

Questions (446, 449, 455)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

446. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the international community is focused on the need to address human rights abuses worldwide; the current level of activity in this regard or proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23421/22]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

449. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of cases of human rights abuses currently under investigation by the European Union or United Nations; when decisions are expected in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23424/22]

View answer

Bernard Durkan

Question:

455. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which re-evaluation of the United Nations has taken place with particular reference to ensuring a clear and unequivocal response in worldwide situations of human rights abuses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23435/22]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 446, 449 and 455 together.

The promotion and protection of human rights is a key foreign policy priority for Ireland, as part of our commitment to a rules-based multilateral order with the United Nations at its core.

Our current term on the UN Security Council for 2021-2022 actively reflects that commitment, through our focus on ensuring accountability and mainstreaming human rights across all areas of the Security Council agenda.

The Human Rights Council, based in Geneva, is the primary international forum responsible for advancing respect for human rights. Our previous membership of the Council (2013-15) enabled us to contribute substantively to the promotion and protection of human rights. In order to continue this work, Ireland intends to seek our next term on the HRC for the period 2027 – 2029.

Ireland is committed to ensuring that the UN is capable of continuous reform to adapt to emerging as well as to traditional global challenges, including in the field of human rights. We work closely with EU partners including the EU Special Representative on Human Rights, Mr Eamon Gilmore, to ensure that the Human Rights Council, Special Procedures, and the UN Human Rights Treaty Monitoring Bodies are continuously strengthened to ensure an effective response to human rights violations and abuses.

The nature and scale of human rights cases under investigation by the UN varies from national Commissions of Inquiry to individual complaints to the Treaty Bodies. As such, consolidated figures on the number of cases are not available.

In addition, Ireland is a committed supporter of the International Criminal Court as the cornerstone of a strong international criminal justice system. We are providing a €3 million in funding which will assist with regard to all situations before the court. Currently, the Office of the Prosecutor is engaged in 17 investigations and 10 preliminary examinations across 25 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. As a result of the Prosecutor’s investigations, there are currently 22 cases against 29 individuals active before the International Criminal Court.

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