asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action, if any, planned or taken by the Government in influencing the protection of human rights in Iran.
Written Answers. - Human Rights.
65.
The Deputy's attention is drawn to the reply given on 9 May last to a similar question from Deputy Deasy. While the matter remains a cause for concern, I understand that the situation in regard to human rights generally has been improving of late and that a call for a halt to all executions has recently been made by Ayatollah Khomeini. It would appear that the Government in Iran have not yet succeeded in exercising their full authority over all areas of national life and certain activities and functions continue to be carried out by local committees not subject to central government control. The Deputy will appreciate that, pending the full centralisation of governmental jurisdiction, approaches to the authorities in regard to infringements of human rights would be of limited effectiveness and could in some cases be counter-productive.
66.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action, if any, the Government are taking to influence the protection of human rights in Ethiopia and Eritrea in view of the widespread allegations of atrocities that have been committed in these countries.
The Government are deeply concerned about abuses of human rights and this concern has been expressed on many occasions. Most recently, in my speech to the United Nations General Assembly on 25 September, I emphasised the need to continue efforts to promote respect for and observance of human rights generally.
I am aware of a number of reports of human rights violations in Ethiopia including Eritrea, and these have been a source of concern to me. The issue has also been raised in the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.
In the absence of diplomatic relations with Ethiopia, the Government are not in a position to influence that country directly. However, we will continue to support action at the international level in cases which demonstrate a consistent pattern of gross violations of human rights.