Written Answers. - Human Rights Abuses.
Michael Creed
Ceist:
23
Mr. Creed
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
if he will request the Commission of Human Rights at the forthcoming meeting in Geneva to appoint a special rapporteur to investigate human rights violations in Algeria.
[3915/99]
Seán Ryan
Ceist:
52
Mr. S. Ryan
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
if he is prepared to sponsor a motion at the forthcoming meeting in Geneva requesting the Commission of Human Rights to appoint a special rapporteur to investigate human rights violations in Algeria and to report to the United Nations General Assembly.
[4294/99]
Gay Mitchell
Ceist:
97
Mr. G. Mitchell
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
if he raised the issue of Algeria during the recent visit of Mr. Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the UN; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[4522/99]
Gay Mitchell
Ceist:
98
Mr. G. Mitchell
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
if he listed Algeria, in his address to the UN General Assembly, among the countries where human rights violations were continuing and which are of concern to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[4523/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23, 52, 97 and 98 together.
I remain deeply concerned at the human rights situation in Algeria.
Within the framework of the preparations for the forthcoming session of the UN Commission on Human Rights, which commences in Geneva on 22 March next, we will be discussing the situation in Algeria with our EU partners. We will also be liaising closely with other states which share our concerns about human rights abuses in Algeria. In the process of developing our position we will be looking into a number of options, including those put forward by the Deputies.
While the scale of the unrest has abated and while there appears to be a slight amelioration in the overall security situation in Algeria, reports show that massacres and bombings are still being perpetrated. There are repeated accounts of basic human rights violations.
I have used every possible opportunity to convey to the Algerian authorities our concerns about the situation there. Last month our Ambassador to Spain, who is accredited to Algeria, specifically raised the questions of tor ture and disappearances in his meetings with President Zeroual and the Foreign Ministry. Similar concerns have also been expressed by the EU on a number of occasions.
It remains essential that Algeria work with the human rights mechanisms of the United Nations. However, Algeria has made it clear it is not prepared to accept UN Special Rapporteurs for Torture and Extrajudicial Executions. The Government and our EU partners intend to maintain pressure on the Algerian authorities to accept the UN Special Rapporteurs, and will continue to work to achieve a greater degree of co-operation between Algeria and the United Nations. In this context, I discussed with the Secretary General of the United Nations during his recent visit here developments in a number of countries in which the United Nations is already actively involved on the ground. Unfortunately, Algeria is not yet in that category.
As regards raising human rights abuses at the UN General Assembly, I set out, in my statement to the Assembly last September, our broad approach to human rights abuses wherever they occurred. While I did not give an exhaustive list of countries, our position on Algeria was covered by the detailed statement made by the EU Presidency on our behalf. I also had a meeting with the Algerian Foreign Minister in New York, in the course of which I reiterated our concerns. In this context, while I did discuss with the Secretary General of the United Nations during his recent visit here developments in a number of countries in which the United Nations is already actively involved on the ground. Unfortunately, Algeria is not yet in that category.
Finally I understand that a delegation from the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs is due to visit Algeria next week. I very much welcome this. I am sure that they will help to convey the deep concern in this country at the situation in Algeria to the parties represented in the National Assembly, and give the latter encouragement to pursue with renewed commitment the improvement of the human rights situation of the people of Algeria.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:
24
Mr. J. O'Keeffe
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
Ireland's attitude to the government of Zimbabwe particularly in view of the recent arrest and torture of journalists there.
[4296/99]
Enda Kenny
Ceist:
64
Mr. Kenny
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
if the EU General Affairs Council has recently considered the situation in Zimbabwe.
[4381/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 64 together.
The Government is very concerned at the deteriorating political, economic and social situation in Zimbabwe. Repressive measures are being taken by the authorities against the press and there have been allegations that journalists detained are being subjected to torture. The national television address delivered by President Mugabe on 6 February sought to defend these actions and was critical of the judiciary.
These developments, together with the ongoing land reform crisis and the consequences of Zimbabwe's direct military involvement in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, constitute a threat to Zimbabwe's stability as a democratic society founded on the rule of law and observance of human rights.
The EU and other members of the international community are actively responding to the latest developments. Following the arrests and alleged torture of journalists, a démarche was made by the EU Troika of Ambassadors in Harare to the acting Foreign Minister of Zimbabwe on 29 January. Members of the troika were accompanied on that occasion by their counterparts from the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Norway. Their joining the EU troika underlined the high priority attached to dealing effectively with such human rights violations.
In making thedémarche, particular concern was expressed about: the detention of civilians by the military, threats to the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law, the violation of freedom of the press, and the alleged violation of human rights by the use of torture which cannot be justified in any circumstances.
In follow-up to thedémarche, Ireland and our European partners are monitoring developments closely. We are continuing to urge the Government of Zimbabwe to demonstrate its commitment to international standards on human rights, to investigate the alleged human rights violations without delay and to bring those responsible to justice. We will continue to press the authorities in that country to take the necessary urgent action to restore confidence in the consistency of their approach to human rights, respect for the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, freedom of expression and the role of the military in a democratic society.
Although the specific issue has not yet been discussed by the General Affairs Council, the council has been following closely developments in the region and will be ready to consider the further steps that may be necessary if there is no improvement in the situation in Zimbabwe.
