Frances Fitzgerald
Ceist:16 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when Ireland will sign the UN Convention on Safety of UN and Associated Personnel. [12959/98]
Vol. 493 No. 5
16 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when Ireland will sign the UN Convention on Safety of UN and Associated Personnel. [12959/98]
The Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel was adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 1994. The adoption of the Convention reflected the widespread concern felt at the growing number of deaths and injuries resulting from deliberate attacks against UN and associated personnel. Attacks against, or other mistreatment of, personnel who act on behalf of the UN are unjustifiable and unacceptable.
The current international position is that the Convention is not yet in force and will not enter into force until 30 days after the deposit with the UN Secretary-General of the instruments of ratification, acceptance or accession of 22 countries. As of 1 July 1998, there were 43 signatories and 19 states parties to the Convention.
Given that the Convention remained open for signature only until 31 December, 1995, Ireland is not now in a position to sign the Convention. In order to become party to the Convention, Ireland will have to proceed by way of accession.