Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
44. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of reports of the killing by Saudi Arabian border guards of migrants and asylum seekers largely of Ethiopian background of the Yemeni border; if he will raise these killings with the Saudi Arabian authorities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38260/23]
View answerMy Department has been monitoring reports about the killing the killing of migrants and asylum seekers on the Yemen-Kingdom of Saudi Arabia border.
Respect for human rights is an integral part of Ireland’s foreign policy and we consistently seek to raise our concerns through the most appropriate and effective channels. In line with this approach, Ireland has discusses human rights both bilaterally with the Saudi authorities in Riyadh, the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Dublin, and in international fora.
Ireland works closely with other EU Member States to ensure that human rights issues in Saudi Arabia are addressed. The EU Delegation in Riyadh has raised human rights issues directly with the Saudi authorities on multiple occasions and at various levels, including in respect to the matter to which the Deputy has referred.
Ireland welcomed the second EU-Saudi Arabia Human Rights Dialogue, which was held in Riyadh last year and chaired by the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Eamonn Gilmore. A wide range of issues were discussed at the Dialogue. The next Human Rights Dialogue with Saudi Arabia will take place in the coming months and will continue to provide a valuable additional forum to discuss human rights issues.
Ireland also raised human rights concerns in Saudi Arabia at the Human Rights Council, where we have co-signed Joint Statements and will continue to do so.
During the last Universal Periodic Review of Saudi Arabia at the Human Rights Council in November 2018, Ireland raised its concern about the imprisonment of human rights defenders and recommended that Saudi Arabia bring its laws into line with international standards for the exercise of the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.
Ireland will continue to monitor developments in Saudi Arabia, and to raise our human rights concerns with the Saudi Government.
