Written Answers. - Human Rights Abuses.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:
80
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
if he has satisfied himself that the conditions at the Guantanamo Bay detention centre, Cuba, meet international standards and requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[4051/02]
I refer the Deputy to my answer to Priority Questions Nos. 1 and 2.
Question No. 81 answered with Question No. 78.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:
82
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
the extent to which he has intervened or proposes to intervene through UN or EU agencies to combat human rights abuses at various locations worldwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[4053/02]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:
83
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
the top ten offenders regarding human rights as identified by Amnesty International and other agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[4054/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 83 together.
Amnesty International does not produce a top ten list of countries in regard to human rights violations. The Department of Foreign Affairs is not aware of any other human rights organisations producing such a list. Human rights are a priority of this Government and a central com ponent of our foreign policy. In co-operation with our EU partners and other concerned states, the Government continually monitors human rights in many countries throughout the world. The international community has an obligation to act when it has concerns and these concerns should be pursued whenever possible in a constructive spirit of co-operation and dialogue, conscious of the responsibility which devolves on all Governments to promote and protect human rights.
This Government has commented publicly on many occasions on those situations which give rise to grave concern, in a national capacity and as a member of the EU and the Council of Europe. These concerns have also been raised on a consistent basis by this country's representatives at the UN General Assembly and at the UN Commission on Human Rights. Ireland plays an active role in the third committee of the UN General Assembly and closely co-ordinates with EU partners in identifying priorities and strategies for human rights issues. At the most recent session of the third committee, the EU sponsored resolutions with regard to human rights in Sudan, Iran, Iraq and the Democratic Republic of Congo, all of which were adopted by vote. Ireland also co-sponsored Sweden's resolution on human rights in Burma/Myanmar. In addition, Ireland's resolution on the elimination of all forms of religious intolerance was adopted by consensus. Ireland has also been closely concerned with human rights issues at the UN Security Council, since taking up our seat in January 2001.
Concerted international pressure applied through multilateral organisations such as the EU, UN and the Council of Europe is one of the most effective means of combating human rights abuses. However, despite the efforts of the global community in international and regional fora, it has to be acknowledged that the systems in place for preventing and tackling flagrant human rights abuses do not always prove adequate. Reasons for this range from the failure of states to ratify relevant international instruments to a lack of resources and even political will to focus on these problems.
Ireland is actively engaged in the discussion of specific issues with like-minded countries, notably in a group known as the Human Security Network. This initiative of the Canadian and Norwegian Governments is aimed at establishing the principle of human security as a central element in the international community's approach to conflict. The Government is committed to the active promotion of full observance of universal human rights standards and will continue to voice its concerns, wherever possible in partnership with other like-minded countries, in international fora such as the UN General Assembly, the UN Commission on Human Rights, the Council of Europe, the OSCE and the UN Security Council.
Questions Nos. 84 to 87, inclusive, answered with Question No. 6.
