Gerard Murphy
Ceist:24 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the level of human rights abuses in Uganda. [26810/03]
Written Answers. - Human Rights Issues.
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:49 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the crisis in relation to child abductions by the LRA in northern Uganda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26703/03]
John Deasy
Ceist:99 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement of the current political situation in Uganda. [26809/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24, 49 and 99 together.
The human rights situation in Uganda has greatly improved since the fall of the Obote regime in 1986 and the subsequent election of President Museveni. Uganda has ratified all six major international human rights instruments and has a human rights commission. Most Ugandans now live in security, although there are areas for continuing improvement. In particular, the plight of the local population in northern Uganda is a situation of grave concern to the Irish Government and the EU.
For the past 17 years, northern Uganda has suffered from attacks by the rebel group, Lord's Resistance Army, which has seen up to 20,000 children abducted by the LRA to act as child soldiers and sex slaves. These attacks have escalated dramatically in the past few months. The consequences for the Acholi people of the region have been devastating, with internal displacement of up to 80% of the people. The Ugandan Government's response is still predominantly focused on a military defeat of the LRA, although success to date has proved elusive.
The Irish Government has condemned, and continues to condemn the appalling atrocities committed by the LRA. In October 2003, Development Co-operation Ireland approved funding of €500,000 for emergency feeding programs for internally displaced persons and refugees in northern and western Uganda. At a recent meeting in Kampala between the EU Troika and the Ugandan Foreign Minister, at which Ireland was represented, the EU condemned the human rights abuses perpetrated by the LRA and urged the Ugandan Government to also consider non-military solutions to resolve this terrible situation. To this end, the EU expressed support for the Acholi religious leaders peace initiative as an important channel of communication with the LRA.
Deputies will be aware that President Museveni of Uganda visited Ireland this week and met with my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Kitt, as well as the Taoiseach and President McAleese. The opportunity presented by the visit was used to discuss a wide variety of issues of mutual concern to both countries, including the internal political situation in Uganda. The Ugandan Government has committed itself to a return to multi-party elections in 2006 and this was warmly welcomed.
Question No. 25 answered with Question No. 22.