Vol. 478 No. 5
9 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the increasing criticism in recent years of the human rights record of Kenya; if he will raise the issue of oppression of church personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11551/97]
The Government and our EU partners continue to be concerned about the political and human rights situation in Kenya. In its statement to the 53rd Session of the Commission on Human Rights in Geneva earlier this month the Union expressed these concerns in terms of the need for the Kenyan Government to take steps without delay to improve the administration of justice, amend legislation which could impede the holding of free and fair elections and create a political climate which would allow the various political parties to function more freely. While welcoming the undertakings for constitutional reform given by the Kenyan authorities, the Government and our European partners now wish to see concrete action taken on these matters.In the perspective of the general election to take place in Kenya later this year, we will continue our efforts in support of an inclusive democratic process in that country with full regard for human rights and the rule of law.
Ireland's concerns about the process of democratisation and human rights in Kenya have been made more acute by the tragic killing of the Irish Franciscan missionary, Brother Larry Timmons, during an armed robbery at his compound in Lare in the early hours of 22 January. Before his death, Brother Timmons had been active in highlighting injustices in the issuing of identity cards for use during the forthcoming elections. As the House will be aware from my Adjournment statement on this matter of 29 January, a member of the local administrative police has been charged with the murder of Brother Timmons and the Kenyan authorities have promised a full investigation into the incident. The Minister for the Environment, Deputy Howlin, discussed the matter directly with the Kenyan Foreign Minister, Mr. Stephen Musyoka, in Nairobi on 6 February. The Government has also raised it with its EU partners and is continuing to monitor it closely through our Honorary Consul in Nairobi.
The Government is also concerned at reports of harassment in Kenya of church personnel working at local level in the justice and human rights areas. In particular, we are concerned by the recent statement of the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission in Nairobi which highlighted a series of disturbing incidents. We are investigating these reports through the Irish Honorary Consul in Nairobi. It is the Government's earnest hope that any current difficulties can be overcome in a constructive manner and that the important contribution being made by Irish missionary and humanitarian workers in the field can continue as heretofore in a spirit of full co-operation with the Kenyan authorities.
In view of these developments, I am writing to the Kenyan Minister for Foreign Affairs outlining the Government's concerns about the reports of harassment of church personnel, including particularly the case of the late Brother Timmons. The Government will continue to do everything possible, both bilaterally and in co-operation with our EU partners, to increase pressure on the Kenyan authorities to intensify the democratic process with full observance of human rights.
I thank the Minister for his detailed reply. Will he accept that the killing of Brother Larry Timmons in January was not an isolated incident? Bishop Mahon was attacked recently in an attempt to intimidate him and other church leaders. Will the Minister seek to guarantee the safety of church personnel?
It appears there is systematic interference with the rights of church personnel. Apart from the tragic killing of Brother Timmons there have been reports of harassment in recent weeks. I will take up the matter with the Kenyan Foreign Minister. The least we should expect is that missionaries would be allowed to go about their work in a peaceful environment without fear of harassment.
It appears there is great tyranny in Kenya and a danger this will increase in the run-up to the elections to be held later this year. What steps does the Minister intend to take to try to ease the situation? As we are aware, the President has promised to provide greater security.Does the Minister have any further information on the killing of Brother Larry Timmons?
On the forthcoming elections, we agreed earlier this month to allocate £64,000 to NGO projects which support the process of free and fair elections in Kenya. A sum of £40,000 has been granted to a Trocaire project which will provide community training in election monitoring, human rights and other related issues. The remaining £24,000 has been granted to a civic education programme in democratisation and human rights in the region. Under the Government's bilateral aid programme, the co-financing scheme with non-governmental organisations provides grants for small to medium sized projects which meet basic needs in the sectors of health, education, water sanitation, income generation, rural development and urban community development.
An administrative police officer has been charged with the murder of Brother Timmons. We have been assured by the authorities that there will be a full investigation into the incident. I hope to get an early response to my communications with the Foreign Minister.
