Written Answers. - Overseas Development Aid.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:
12
Mr. J. O'Keeffe
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
his views on whether it is appropriate for direct aid to be given bilaterally or through the EU to the Rwandan government in view of its human rights record; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[4295/99]
Dick Spring
Ceist:
41
Mr. Spring
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
if he is reconsidering the question of aid to the Rwandan Government in view of the recent genocide in the South Kivu region of the Congo.
[1227/99]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:
87
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
the degree to which he has monitored progress in Rwanda in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[4511/99]
Gay Mitchell
Ceist:
101
Mr. G. Mitchell
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
if his attention has been drawn to the concerns raised by Concern and GOAL in relation to funding being given directly to the Rwandan Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[4526/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 12, 41, 87 and 101 together.
Deputies will be aware of the very volatile situation in the Great Lakes region of Africa where the greatest threat to the stability of the region is the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This crisis directly affects a number of countries in the region, including Rwanda. The increasing militarisation of the region is very worrying. Ireland, together with our EU part ners, remains seriously concerned about the situation in Rwanda which is still recovering from the appalling genocide of 1994 and its aftermath. The EU is currently preparing its review of developments in Rwanda as provided for in the relevant common position adopted in March 1998. As part of that review we will be evaluating the situation on the ground including preparations for local elections, the development of civil society, the new democratic structures at local level and the impact on Rwanda of the conflict in neighbouring DRC. The EU Special Envoy to the region, Mr. Aldo Ajello, has been mandated to visit Rwanda to assist the Union in understanding and addressing the complex internal situation.
The conflict in the DRC has serious ethnic and security implications, not just for Rwanda but for other countries in Central and Southern Africa. We actively support with our EU partners the peace efforts of regional leaders. If unresolved, this conflict has the potential to seriously undermine any progress made towards recovery, rehabilitation and reconciliation in Rwanda. A regional solution which takes into account the rights of minorities, security of borders, good governance and democratic transition is essential if the conditions which will lead to peaceful development are to be established.
Unfortunately, as in all conflicts, the innocent suffer. Human rights abuses have been committed by all parties to the conflict. Deputy Spring in his question refers to reports of a massacre in Makobolo in the eastern part of the DRC. The nature of the conflict has made it very difficult to verify these reports as access by independent observers is almost impossible. The Government condemns in the strongest terms all human rights abuses. Full observance of human rights and the rule of law is a core objective of our policy towards Rwanda and the other countries in the region.
Rwanda, one of the poorest countries in sub-Saharan Africa, is recovering from an officially-orchestrated genocide which killed between 500,000 and 800,000 people in 1994. The ensuing conflict and chaos resulted in a massive displacement of people. The Irish Government and people responded very generously to the suffering of the Rwandan people and, indeed, the President of Ireland made three visits to Rwanda to give official expression to this outpouring of sympathy.
We are now, together with other members of the international community, trying to establish the necessary conditions for peace, stability and development based on respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. This is in line with EU policy which supports the process started by the Rwandan Government to recover from genocide, promote national reconciliation and reconstruction and transition to democracy. In order to achieve these objectives the cycle of violence and impunity must be broken and this involves not only working to strengthen civil society but also to support the rehabilitation of the institutions of Government so that they are fair, inclusive and responsive to all sectors of this very divided society.
Helping societies torn by conflict is not easy and legitimate questions can be raised about human rights, good governance and military expenditure. Equally legitimate questions can be asked about who will suffer if assistance is withdrawn. These questions do not apply just to Rwanda but to many other countries and point to the critical need to address not only the consequences of conflict but also its causes.
Irish assistance to Rwanda is targeted at the most vulnerable people who must be empowered if there is to be lasting change in their communities and societies. Survival is a priority and, therefore, Ireland's programme of assistance focuses, in the first instance, on meeting basic humanitarian needs in the areas of shelter, food security and basic health care. This is not enough and Ireland, with other donor countries and the UN agencies, has worked to help re-establish the institutions of government. Clearly identified activities of the Rwandan Government in the areas of justice, housing and health have been supported. In 1997, of a total allocation of £2.2 million, 18 per cent supported Rwanda Government projects and 0.3 per cent of the same amount in 1998. The majority of Irish assistance is channelled through the Irish NGOs, Concern and Trócaire, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the UN Development Programme and UNICEF.
Monitoring and assessment teams from the Department of Foreign Affairs travel at least twice yearly to Rwanda to monitor existing projects and assess future needs. The most recent visit took place in December 1998 and recommended that assistance continue to be focused on shelter, basic health, on the administration of justice and on prisoner support. In addition, the Chargé d'Affairs in Uganda, who is accredited to Rwanda, visits Rwanda regularly.
In response to Deputy Mitchell's question, GOAL has raised its concerns on a number of occasions through the Oireachtas Committees, parliamentary questions and representations to both myself and Minister of State O'Donnell. Concern works closely with Irish Aid in developing and implementing suitable programmes. I am satisfied that we, together with our European partners, are pursuing the right policies in the region. I hope I have been able to reassure those people who have doubts about assistance to the people of Rwanda that the funding provided by the taxpayer through the Irish Government is reaching its intended targets, and that it is helping to improve the lives of the most vulnerable people in this deeply traumatised society.
