Vol. 544 No. 5
64 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he proposes to raise at the European Council, the danger that initiatives based on the campaign against terrorism may be used by member countries of the European Union to seriously erode the rights of refugees in international law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29250/01]
I would urge all states to uphold their obligations under international covenants to which they are party, including the UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.
Ireland made a particular effort during the drafting of Security Council Resolution 1373 to ensure that the rights of refugees were not undermined by the terms of the resolution.
In regard to the possible erosion of the rights of refugees as a result of EU initiatives being undertaken after the attacks of 11 September, while the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has primarily responsibility for Ireland's refugee policy, Ireland will be seeking to ensure that the initiatives being taken by the EU, which are still under negotiation, will not in any way erode the rights of refugees.
The rights of refugees under Irish law are enshrined in the Refugee Act, 1996, as amended. This Act, which was implemented in full on 20 November 2000, gives effect to the 1951 UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.
