Written Answers. - Human Rights Violations.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:
101
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
the position in relation to human rights violations in Algeria; his proposals to deal with this matter at UN or EU levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[29586/00]
Human rights in Algeria continue to be a serious cause of concern. In ongoing discussions with our EU partners on this issue, we have emphasised the need for a constructive dialogue with Algeria. In this context, the EU has encouraged key reforms, including modernisation and improvements in human rights, and has funded constructive assistance through the Euro-Mediterranean partnership. In the dialogue, Ireland has sought to maintain a strong focus on human rights and the promotion of the role of civil society. The dialogue is conducted 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 ending 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.
I reiterate that with up to one-third of its population unemployed, and one-third under the age of 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. The negotiations, conducted by the Commission on behalf of the EU, on an association agreement under the partnership, resumed last April. These negotiations fully reflect the human rights commitments under the Barcelona declaration.
Algeria is also party to several 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. We remain concerned to see that these commitments are 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. At this stage, further steps are clearly necessary and it is essential that all groups work for the reconciliation and security of the country.
Internal security has continued to be marked by killing over recent months. These outbreaks of bloodletting both violate human rights and jeopardise the programme of national reconciliation. The Government wants to see the Algerian people finally emerge from the violence they have suffered for so long. We are strongly encouraging all efforts towards the achievement of that goal.
