Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 27 Jun 1995

Vol. 455 No. 1

Written Answers. - Human Rights Violations in El Salvador.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

43 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress, if any, that has been made towards acting against named and identified senior Salvadoran personnel who are involved in human rights violations, including murder and death squad activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11693/95]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

The question of human rights violations in El Salvador during the 12 year civil war in that country has been the subject of UN sponsored investigations since the signing of the Peace Accord in 1992.

Under the terms of that accord two investigative commissions were established, the ad hoc Investigative Commission and the Truth Commission, to examine the issue of human rights violations in El Salvador, including the question of murder and death squad activities involving members of the armed forces, the administration and the Judiciary.

Both Commissions published their reports naming those responsible for such violations and recommending their immediate dismissal and exclusion from the armed forces and all forms of public service. A number of these recommendations have been implemented and the UN Secretary General remains engaged in efforts to ensure their full implementation.

The ad hoc Investigation Commission on Human Rights recommended that the Salvadoran government dismiss 97 army officers including seven generals.

The UN reported in March 1995 that because of resistance within the Armed Forces there had been a considerable delay in the discharge of these officers.

The report of the Truth Commission found the military in El Salvador responsible for the vast majority of human rights violations and atrocities. It also found that the FMLN were responsible for grave acts of violence, including assassinations, disappearances and kidnapping.

The Truth Commission considered that it could not recommend judicial proceedings in El Salvador against the persons named until after judicial reforms were carried out.

A new Supreme Court made up of eminent professionals was set up in 1994. Since taking office, the new court has dismissed or suspended 11 judges and named a new Director of the Institute of Forensic Medicine, previously considered a partisan body.

The recommendations of the Truth Commission in the human rights area are binding on the parties under the peace accords. Of particular importance are those steps which would enable Salvadorans whose rights have been violated to have recourse to the protection afforded by international human rights instruments.

While a number of the solemn undertakings given by the parties remain to be fulfilled, the United Nations remains committed to ensuring the full implementation of all agreements reached under the peace accords including the recommendations of the Truth Commission. Ireland and our partners in the European Union continue to give strong support for the UN's efforts and will monitor closely all developments in El Salvador.