Nora Owen
Ceist:4 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the action, if any, he proposes to take following the proposals by the UN to send 5,000 troops to the stricken country of Rwanda.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - UN Military Mission to Rwanda.
Máirín Quill
Ceist:13 Miss Quill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether Ireland is willing to become part of a UN military mission to Rwanda; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Proinsias De Rossa
Ceist:19 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps, if any, that have been taken by the Irish representative at the UN with regard to UN humanitarian and human rights action on Rwanda; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ivor Callely
Ceist:30 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will give a progress report on the present crises in Rwanda, in particular, the escalating refugee problem; the support the UN Security Council is giving in Rwanda; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Peadar Clohessy
Ceist:37 Mr. Clohessy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether Ireland is willing to become part of a UN military mission to Rwanda; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Liz O'Donnell
Ceist:42 Ms O'Donnell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether Ireland is willing to become part of a UN military mission to Rwanda; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 4, 13, 19, 30, 37 and 42 together.
On 5 May, in the Adjournment Debate, I set out the main lines of the Government's response to the horrific slaughter under way in Rwanda since the killings of the Presidents of Rwanda and Burundi in April. On 24 May the Minister of State, Deputy Kitt, outlined to the House the action taken or supported by the Government in pursuit of this policy, at the United Nations, in the European Union and bilaterally. Those include an examination, at my initiative, of the position by the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 16 May; a review by the Security Council of the size of the UN force in Rwanda; an investigation by the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights; an emergency meeting of the UN Commission for Human Rights; the imposition of a UN arms embargo; an evaluation visit by the Troika of EU Development Ministers and an increase in EU assistance.
In addition, the Minister of State, Deputy Kitt, is at present on a mission to the region to assess the political and humanitarian position for the Government. He is visiting refugee camps in Tanzania as well as camps for displaced persons in Rwanda. He is having talks directly with Rwandan parties and with the authorities in neighbouring countries. He will report to the Government on his return today.
The conflict in Rwanda has resulted in an unprecedented human rights tragedy. We are aware of its dimensions — up to half a million people may have been killed; millions have been forced to flee their homes to seek refuge elsewhere in Rwanda or in neighbouring countries, and disease and hunger threaten their lives. Faced with this, Ireland was one of the first countries to press for greater co-ordinated action within the European Union and at the United Nations.
On 17 May the UN Security Council authorised an increase in the UN force in Rwanda, UNAMIR, up to a level of 5,500 troops. It also expanded UNAMIR's mandate to include the provision of safe conditions for displaced persons in Rwanda and the protection of humanitarian organisations.
It is clear that a ceasefire and the agreement of the two sides to the UN's presence would greatly facilitate an effective UN operation. To this end the UN Secretary-General has sent his special envoy and chief military adviser to Rwanda to consult the parties on all aspects of UNAMIR's expanded mandate. These talks are under way in Kigali and I understand that some progress has been made on the principle of a ceasefire.
In the meantime the UN Secretary-General is actively seeking troop contributions to the expanded forces. I understand that he has contacted several countries in Africa and outside. Ireland has not been approached by the UN. I have said that requests from the UN for Irish participation in peacekeeping operations are considered on a case-by-case basis. If an approach were made by the UN in connection with the Rwandan operation it would receive very careful consideration by the Government.
An end to the killings and the establistment of the UN force are an immediate priority, but for the longer term stability of the country it will be necessary for the people of Rwanda to agree on the governance of the country and on the creation of the necessary institutions. Our political goal must therefore be a reactivation of the Arusha peace process.
On the human rights front, Ireland called at an early stage for a special session of the UN Commission on Human Rights. This met in Geneva on 24 and 25 May. Although Ireland is not a member of the commission, the Irish delegation participated actively in the European Union's contribution to the special session.
The human rights commission adopted unanimously a strongly-worded and comprehensive resolution which was cosponsored by Ireland. The resolution called for the appointment of a special rapporteur to investigate at first hand the situation of human rights in Rwanda. It welcomed the recent visit by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Lasso, to Rwanda. It requested him to make available a team of human rights field officers to assist the special rapporteur.
The special rapporteur is to visit Rwanda immediately and to report to the commission. His report will be made available to the UN Security Council, the General Assembly and the UN Economic and Social Council. Ireland will continue to press in these fora for effective action by the UN to prevent further human rights abuses in Rwanda.
The Government has allocated £500,000 to date for emergency assistance for the Rwandan crises. We are prepared to provide further financial support for humanitarian relief for Rwandan refugees in the neighbouring states and for victims of the conflict who remain within Rwanda.
In view of the fact that the Minister has told us on numerous occasions — other Deputies and I have raised this issue many times — that he gave full support for a review of the UN Security Council Resolution which resulted in Resolution 918 on 16 May, will he agree that rather than wait for an approach to be made, we should offer troops for a humanitarian exercise in Rwanda as this would set an example to other EU countries who seem to be slow to send troops?
From the answers to previous questions and discussions, the Deputy is aware of the procedures in relation to United Nations troops. Irish troops will not be sent unless they are requested by the United Nations Secretary General. A request is made after consideration of the type of operation, the logistics and other details from a military point of view. The matter comes before the Government. My Department considers the foreign policy aspect, the Department of Defence considers the military aspects and then the Government makes a decision. No request has been received. It would not be consistent with our participation in the United Nations to offer troops if the United Nations has not made a decision in relation to wanting Irish troops and the type of force they want in that area. We must wait for the UN to contact us.
Does the Minister not accept that that attitude could be taken by all members of the UN and that nothing will be done in the face of the most tragic humanitarian disaster since Cambodia; that by sitting back and not taking positive steps, he is adding to the tragedy that has happened in Rwanda? I ask him again to informally talk to the UN and indicate that he would be willing to help. There are 80 Irish troops in Somalia in logistics doing a very valuable job. Surely we can send troops to Rwanda to assist in all the new efforts that are allowable under Mandate 918 — provide security and support for the distribution of relief and contribute to the security and protection of displaced persons. There is no reason why we could not offer a small troop of Irish soldiers to assist in that valuable work and thereby stimulate other members to do so, and, perhaps, the US, which seems not to want to be involved.
The UN Secretary General is presently engaged in the exercise of seeking troop contributions for its expanded operation from a number of countries both in Africa and outside. They have made decisions about it. If they require Irish troops we will be contacted. Certain missions are considered suitable, others not, depending on what troops are available. If it comes before Government it will receive serious consideration. We want to assist wherever possible. We have, within the European Union, stimulated and led the debate and will continue to do so.
Has the Minister offered to assist?
The Minister must offer.