Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2023
48. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the rights of Palestinian people to protest within the state of Israel and the West Bank, and the international law position on this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49391/23]
View answerI support the right of people everywhere to engage in peaceful protest. The rights of freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly of individuals are fundamental human rights, and as such peaceful protests should not be unnecessarily curtailed.
While it is important that demonstrators protest peacefully, it is equally important that policing of demonstrations is carried out with full respect for individuals' rights and the utmost restraint. Any use of force against non-violent protestors is unjustifiable and unacceptable.
Both Israel and Palestine are parties to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which enshrines the rights of freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly of individuals. While these rights are not absolute, they may only be restricted where this is provided for by law and necessary, including in the interests of national security, public safety or public order.
