Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 13 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 3

Written Answers. - Human Rights Abuses.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

77 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the proposal by a group (details supplied) for a comprehensive European Union policy on the eradication of torture; his views on this proposal; and the steps that he is taking to have the proposal adopted. [3590/01]

Joe Higgins

Ceist:

80 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has received from Amnesty International a proposed 12 point programme for the prevention of torture by agents of the state; and the action he will take to press for the implementation of this programme internationally. [3649/01]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 80 together.

Torture is among the most abhorrent violations of human rights and, as such, is strictly condemned by international law. Freedom from torture is a right which is to be protected under all circumstances. Promotion and protection of this human right therefore deservedly is a priority of the EU's human rights policy.

I have received and considered with interest a copy of Amnesty International's proposal for a comprehensive European Union policy on the eradication of torture, which includes a 12 point programme for the prevention of torture by agents of the state. I welcome the contribution which this paper has made and will continue to make to efforts to combat torture.

The EU Common Foreign and Security Policy's human rights working group, COHOM, of which Ireland is an active member, is engaged in developing a position on guidelines on torture. The purpose of the guidelines would be to continue efforts to make the human rights dimension of the EU's foreign policy more operational. Any guidelines on torture would be used to provide means and methods for achieving the human rights objectives of the EU's foreign policy. Addressing specific concerns about torture would be the primary purpose; however, the guidelines would also contribute to raising the EU's human rights profile in general.

The Amnesty International paper is playing a very significant part in the efforts of the international community to put an end to incidences of torture by state and non-state agents alike.