Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 22 Nov 2001

Vol. 544 No. 5

Written Answers. - Amnesty International.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

63 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the serious concerns expressed by Amnesty International regarding the continued detention of prisoners of conscience in Saudi Arabia; the representations he has made to the Saudi authorities to secure the release of such prisoners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29245/01]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

I am aware of the serious concerns expressed by Amnesty International and others regarding the situation of prisoners of conscience in Saudi Arabia.

In our ongoing contacts with the authorities of Saudi Arabia, Ireland and EU partners have urged greater progress in ensuring respect for civil and political rights. We remain particularly worried at prohibitions and restrictions in the Kingdom on fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, assembly, association and religion. Violations of the right to a fair trial, arbitrary arrests and detentions and the lack of transparency in the legal system and restricted access to detainees are areas of deep concern.

On the question of prisoners of conscience, Ireland together with our EU partners has taken the approach of encouraging Saudi Arabia to co-operate fully with the UN human rights mechanisms. We have strongly urged Saudi Arabia to become a party to and implement the two most important conventions in the field of human rights – the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The ICCPR recognises that everyone has the right to liberty and security of person and that no one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention or be deprived of his liberty except on such grounds and in accordance with such procedure as are established by law.