P. J. Sheehan
Ceist:48 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views, concerns and priorities in relation to human rights issues in Latin America. [8323/00]
Written Answers. - Human Rights Issues.
Human rights are a priority of this Government and a central element of our foreign policy. The Government endeavours to monitor human rights throughout the world in co-operation with our EU and other international partners. We believe the international community has an obligation to pursue legitimate human rights concerns in a constructive spirit of co-operation and dialogue, conscious of the responsibility which devolves on all Governments to promote and protect human rights.
Ireland fulfils its obligation to promote observance of universal human rights standards through participation in the relevant international fora: the UN General Assembly, the UN Commission on Human Rights, the Council of Europe and the OSCE. We also support the inclusion of human rights clauses in co-operation agreements negotiated by the EU with countries in Latin America and elsewhere. Where appropriate, we take suitable opportunities to raise human rights issues in our bilateral contacts with Latin American and other countries.
The return of democracy to almost all countries in Latin America has been accompanied by significant improvements in the observance of human rights. It will require a continuing effort by all the countries concerned, working in co-operation with the international community over time to achieve full respect for human rights throughout the region.
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:49 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps, if any, taken to raise the issue of the systematic violation of human rights in Burma and Myanmar. [8301/00]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:160 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps, if any, he will take at UN level and through the aegis of the EU to bring about the democratisation of Burma; if he will mobilise international opinion to enable the democratically elected leadership assume its rightful role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8612/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 160 together.
The systematic violation of human rights in Burma is a matter of profound concern to the Government and to the EU. The continuing refusal of the military regime to respect the results of the democratic elections which were held there, or to address the findings of various UN and other inquiries, means that the situation remains unacceptable. The regime has, moreover, failed to act on the recommendations of a number of resolutions adopted by both the Commission on Human Rights and the General Assembly of the United Nations. Notwithstanding this, these concerns will be raised again at the current session of the UN Commission on Human Rights, which has just begun, and I expect this to lead to a further resolution which should address comprehensively this ongoing problem in detail.
I indicated to the House last month that progress will be made only when the military regime enters into meaningful dialogue with Madam Aung San Suu Kyi and other leaders of the National League for Democracy. The EU has sought to persuade the Burmese military regime to engage in dialogue with the National League for Democracy by suggesting initial practical steps and confidence building measures. To date, however, the response of the regime has been disappointing, and we will take this into account when considering the updating and extension of the EU Common Position on Burma.
I congratulate Madam Aung San Suu Kyi on being awarded the Freedom of Dublin. As many recent tributes have shown, this is in recognition of her courage and determination on behalf of the Burmese people. It is to be regretted that she was not able to come in person, for reasons which we all understand, to accept this signal honour. I am sure the House will join me in expressing the hope that she will be able to come to Dublin at an early date.