Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:158 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will indicate his recent efforts to alleviate hardship and human rights abuses in Nigeria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27802/00]
Written Answers. - Human Rights Abuses.
When President Olusegun Obasanjo was inaugurated in May last year as the first democratically-elected civilian President of Nigeria following 15 years of military rule, he faced enormous challenges, including the consequences of widespread human rights violations. EU Heads of Mission in Nigeria consider that since President Obasanjo's advent to power, the human rights situation in the country has improved. In a message marking the first anniversary of Nigeria's return to democracy, the Secretary-General of the United Nations praised the President's personal commitment to the promotion of democracy in Africa, and his work to revive the Nigerian economy and restore integrity and sound leadership to the country.
We will continue to monitor the human rights situation in Nigeria. We welcome the positive initiatives taken to date, and together with our EU partners and other members of the international community we will co-operate with the elected authorities towards strengthening the rule of law, respect for human rights and good governance in Nigeria.
President Obasanjo has inherited an economy in disarray which has resulted in a standard of living lower than it was at the time of independence. High levels of unemployment have exacerbated the poverty in which a large part of the population now find themselves. The Nigerian Government has taken a number of important steps to address the major problems in the economy, including in the areas of market reform, privatisation and the fight against corruption.
Ireland Aid has made available £330,164 of co-financing assistance with NGOs since the begin ning of the year in order to alleviate areas of particular hardship in the country. This funding has primarily been channelled through Irish missionary groups. This year, Ireland Aid has also financed projects for the country's prisoners and young offenders to the value of £101,059.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:159 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent of his efforts to improve the situation in Algeria; the response to his efforts in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27803/00]
The human rights situation in Algeria remains a serious cause of concern. We have ongoing discussions with our EU partners on this issue. As part of its dialogue, the EU has encouraged key reforms, modernisation and improvements in human rights, and has funded constructive assistance through the Euro-Mediterranean partnership. In this dialogue, Ireland has sought to maintain a strong focus on human rights and the promotion of the role of civil society. This dialogue operates under the Barcelona Declaration of November 1995, whose aim is to lead to a strengthening of democracy and respect for human rights, sustainable and balanced economic and social development, measures to combat poverty and promotion of greater understanding between cultures.
We believe that Algeria's membership of the partnership can make a valuable contribution towards the ending of civil conflict in that country. Each partner country has made specific commitments under the declaration to act in accordance with the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The partnership also commits states to develop the rule of law and democracy, including the upholding of fundamental freedoms. This is one of its fundamental pillars.
With up to one third of the population unemployed, and one third of the population under 30, social and economic stability in Algeria is crucial and can, in time, provide the basis for a peaceful future for that country. The social and economic aspects of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership clearly have an important part to play in this. Negotiations on an association agreement under the partnership, conducted by the Commission on behalf of the EU, resumed in April. These negotiations must, of course, be fully consistent with human rights commitments under the Barcelona Declaration.
Algeria is also party to a number of human rights conventions, including the international conventions on civil and political rights, and on economic, social and cultural rights, and the convention against torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. It remains our concern that these commitments be fully implemented in practice.
The European Union welcomed the outcome of the referendum in September of last year in which the Algerian people endorsed President Bouteflika's vision of national peace and reconciliation. The amnesty introduced by President Bouteflika was a positive step. However, further steps are clearly necessary, and it is essential that all groups work for the security and reconciliation of the country. Most regrettably, the security situation has seriously deteriorated over recent months. These outbreaks both violate human rights and jeopardise the programme of national reconciliation and peace. The Government hope that Algeria will finally be able to emerge from the violence its people have suffered for so long. We will strongly encourage all efforts towards that end.