Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2004
98 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on his address to the opening meeting of the 60th session of the UN Commission on Human Rights in Geneva on 15 March 2004. [9918/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is firmly committed to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, which include promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction. In this context, we attach great importance to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, which is the primary forum within the United Nations for the discussion of human rights matters.
As the Deputy is aware, the Government is committed to ensuring that Ireland, along with our EU partners, will play an active and constructive role in the Commission on Human Rights with the aim of ensuring that human rights are effectively promoted and protected at the international level. As President of the Council, on Monday 15 March last, I addressed the 60th session of the UN Commission on Human Rights. In my statement, I focused on a number of key issues: the need to conduct the fight against terrorism with full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; the need to bring about a world where people can live in security and dignity, free from want and hunger; the need for the international community to take action against large-scale flagrant and persistent violations of individuals' human rights; the need to support the International Criminal Court; and the need to strengthen the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
I also reaffirmed the EU's key human rights priorities: the fight against the death penalty; and the prevention of torture and the protection of the rights and well-being of children exposed to armed conflict. In addition, I welcomed the announcement of the appointment of Louise Arbour as the new UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. At the beginning of my statement, I called for the Commission on Human Rights to observe a minute's silence in remembrance of those killed and injured in the bomb attacks in Madrid. I have arranged for a copy of the speech to be placed in the Oireachtas Library.
