Vol. 544 No. 5
37 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the representations he has made to the Nigerian authorities regarding the case of a person (details supplied) who is reported to have been sentenced to death by stoning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29227/01]
38 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (detail supplied) in Nigeria who has been condemned to death by stoning after being found guilty of premarital sex; if he will convey to the Nigerian Government in the strongest possible manner the Government outrage at such a barbaric sentence; and if he will have the case raised through the EU and the UN to ensure that the maximum pressure is brought to bear on Nigeria on this issue. [29120/01]
104 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he and the international community are monitoring the situation in Nigeria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29437/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 37, 38 and 104 together.
The Irish Government considers that the human rights situation in Nigeria generally has improved since President Obasanjo came to power in May 1999. However, the introduction of Islamic Sharia law in a number of states in northern Nigeria in the course of the last two years has exacerbated ethnic and religious tensions there.
With regard to the case of the woman sentenced to death by stoning, the Government has made known its deep concern to the Federal Government through the Nigerian Embassy in Dublin. We have condemned the severe and inhumane nature of the punishment, which is a violation of Article 5 of the International Declaration of Human Rights.
Together with our EU partners, we are monitoring developments in the case through our embassies in Abuja. The federal authorities are aware of the EU's concern in relation to this case. The punishment is currently being appealed to the Sokoto state supreme court and a ruling is expected on 27 November. We welcome the decision of the Nigerian Government to appeal against the sentence and we urge it to sustain its efforts to comply with its international human rights obligations.
We are concerned at the actions of the army in the state of Benue, where violence flared in October. Any indiscriminate use of force by the military must be strongly discouraged by the Nigerian Government.
Together with our EU partners and other members of the international community, the Government will continue to encourage the elected authorities to strengthen further the protection of human rights in Nigeria, including the rights of women.
