Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 June 2004
99 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures he has taken during Ireland’s EU Presidency to combat war and human rights abuses at various flash points in Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18959/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraConflict prevention is an overarching theme that Ireland prioritised in our relations with Africa during our EU Presidency. As Presidency, Ireland led EU efforts in contributing to the various regional and country-level peace processes under way.
In January 2004, the External Relations Council adopted a revised EU common position on conflict prevention, management and resolution in Africa. The adoption of this common position underlines the importance which the European Union attaches to its relationship with Africa. The main features of the common position are support for and enhancement of Africa's peacekeeping capacity, regular assessment of potential violent conflicts in Africa and presenting policy options for early action.
The African peace facility was established under the Irish Presidency and has now become operational. It will be financed through an initial contribution of €250 million from the European development fund, EDF. The facility will provide non-military assistance to African peace support operations and will aim to improve institutional capacities of the African Union and relevant sub-regional organisations in the areas of peacekeeping and conflict resolution.
In March 2004, the Council of Ministers renewed the EU's common position concerning human rights, democratic principles, the rule of law and good governance in Africa. This common position sets out an important framework within which we apply human rights principles.
A west Africa strategy paper was finalised in May 2004. A regional strategy is required in order to address the cross-border problems prevailing in all west African crises such as child soldiers, use of mercenaries, small arms, refugees and illegal exploitation of natural resources as well as to address human trafficking and immigration issues.
A degree of success was secured by the Presidency in respect of human rights in Africa, at the recent 60th session of the UN Commission on Human Rights. Achievements include the establishment of a special UN mechanism on the Sudan, and the agreement with the African Union on a resolution concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo, DRC. In addition, the Presidency and our partners secured the adoption of the Italian technical resolution regarding assistance on human rights in Somalia and supported similar resolutions by the African Union on Chad, Sierra Leone and Burundi.
The EU thematic resolution opposing the death penalty was adopted with a record margin and a record number of co-sponsors. The resolution on the rights of the child which we co-tabled with the Latin American-Caribbean grouping and the resolution on religious intolerance were also adopted. All these resolutions are universal in their application and are of direct relevance in a number of areas on the African continent.
Also at the UN Commission, the Irish Presidency delivered a strong statement, on behalf of the EU, reaffirming its steadfast commitment to work for the elimination of all contemporary forms of slavery, which scourge still exists in some parts of Africa. Regrettably, the EU's resolution on Zimbabwe was not adopted.
Many African countries continue to experience or are gradually emerging from conflict. With regard to Sudan for example, the EU has been to the forefront of the international community in promoting urgent action to address the appalling humanitarian and human rights situation in Darfur. At the External Relations Council meetings in April, May and June, concern was expressed at the humanitarian and human rights violations in Darfur and the Council called on the Government of Sudan to provide unhindered and safe humanitarian access to the region. The EU has consistently conveyed the message to the Sudanese Government that the EU condemns all human rights violations and particularly the actions of the Janjaweed militias.
I led a ministerial Troika to Eritrea and Ethiopia in April. During this visit, I encouraged both sides to engage in dialogue with the United Nations special envoy and implement the decision of the boundary commission.
Under the Irish Presidency, the European Union has remained actively engaged in supporting the peace process in the Democratic Republic of Congo and in urging accelerated implementation of the transition agenda. The European Union took the lead internationally in condemning the capture of Bukavu by rebel forces on 2 June 2004 and in promoting a peaceful resolution of the crisis in eastern DRC.
The EU has also been active under our Presidency in condemning the serious violations of human rights perpetrated by the Lord's Resistance Army against the civilian population of Northern Uganda. The Irish Presidency has been in regular contact with the Ugandan Government in Kampala at the highest level to convey the EU's concerns and urge a peaceful resolution of the conflict in northern Uganda.
In response to a different question today, I have set out the range of activity in which the Irish Presidency has engaged in seeking to advance the peace process in Burundi.
