Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 January 2024
154. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether serious efforts can be made to ensure that those encouraging the use of human rights abuses against vulnerable men, women and children can be challenged in the international courts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3688/24]
View answer160. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what efforts are being made at international level to challenge the activities of international abuses of human rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3695/24]
View answer161. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he, through the UN and the EU, can continue to highlight abuses of human rights at various locations throughout the globe, some in warzones and some not, where vulnerable people continue to be abused, trafficked and murdered; if any efforts have been made to bring the perpetrators to justice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3696/24]
View answer164. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the international community is aware of large-scale human rights abuses across the globe; if steps are being taken or proposed for the UN to get involved in such situations at an early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3699/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 154, 160, 161 and 164 together.
I thank the Deputy for his questions.
Respect for human rights and the promotion of human rights is a cornerstone of Irish foreign policy, and Ireland contributes strongly to United Nations and European Union efforts to prevent, monitor and eliminate human rights violations and abuses.
Last year saw the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. To mark this important milestone in the promotion and protection of human rights, Ireland made a number of pledges, centred on the further mainstreaming of Human Rights throughout Ireland’s foreign policy work, including by utilising Ireland’s mission network abroad to promote and discuss Human Rights in their work.
Our international engagement on human rights discussions enables us to reaffirm our commitment to the universality, indivisibility and interrelatedness of all human rights, to ensure accountability for human rights violations and abuses, and to work for the protection of those who are most vulnerable and marginalised.
Ireland is committed to the promotion of international peace and security and is active across the full range of human rights concerns, including at the UN Human Rights Council, the UN General Assembly, and in our work at the European Union. In these international fora, Ireland strongly promotes the rule of law and the upholding of human rights, in particular international humanitarian law and international human rights law. This has included prioritising the protection of civilians in conflict, ensuring humanitarian access to those in need of assistance, and fighting against impunity. Furthermore, during our recent term on the UN Security Council, Ireland worked to actively to mainstream human rights across all areas of the Security Council agenda and to ensure greater coherence between the Human Rights Council in Geneva and the Security Council in New York.
Human rights violations are a root cause of conflict and insecurity, while a commitment to, and respect for, human rights is critical to ensuring peaceful, equitable and just societies.
Ensuring accountability for human rights violations is a priority for Ireland. A strong international criminal justice system is central to fighting impunity. While states bear the primary responsibility to investigate the most serious international crimes, Ireland regards the International Criminal Court as the cornerstone of such a system. We are a consistent and strong supporter of the Court.
At EU level, Ireland is an active participant and contributor to the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, which works globally to support the preservation of peace, the prevention of conflicts and the strengthening of international security. Human Rights issues are frequently discussed at the EU Foreign Affairs Council. Ireland strongly supports the EU’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, which strengthens the EU’s ability to take collective action against perpetrators of human rights violations.
