Richard Bruton
Ceist:25 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has considered the recently published Amnesty International report on the killing of civilians in Basra and al-’Amara in southern Iraq. [18774/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 24 June 2004
Ceisteanna (30, 31)
Freagraí scríofa
I welcome the report. It provides a useful and informative insight into the loss of life among the civilian population of southern Iraq who have been victims of terrorist attacks and armed conflict.
The report is further evidence that the security in Iraq is extremely serious. Ireland and our EU partners are acutely aware of it. We are aware of the serious impact it has upon the civilian population and the level of casualties that has been suffered by the Iraqi people.
GAERC, in its May conclusions, expressed its concern that the current campaign of terrorist violence is leading to significant loss of life, particularly among civilians. The continuing loss of so many lives underlines the urgent need to restore stability to this unfortunate country. I call for an end to the acts of terror that continue in Iraq. Such acts serve no useful purpose and are manifestly contrary to the best interests of the Iraqi people. I also urge the coalition forces to make every conceivable effort to avoid civilian casualties.
Last week the European Council referred to the report of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on the present human rights abuses and civilian casualties in Iraq. The report emphasised the importance of the effective protection and promotion of human rights.
Question No. 26 answered with QuestionNo. 22.
Gerard Murphy
Ceist:27 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention was drawn to the concerns of Amnesty International about the level of violence against women in Russia; and if he raised these concerns with the Russian administration. [18801/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy attention was drawn to Amnesty International reports on violence against women in the Russian Federation. As I have stated on previous occasions in this House, the reports raise serious human rights issues. The statistics presented by the organisation on fatalities from domestic violence in Russia highlight a disturbing problem.
It is clear from the report Rough Justice that Russia has faced difficulties in building new institutions for the protection of human rights following the end of the Soviet Union. Ireland has regularly raised the issue of human rights in Russia in international fora as well as bilaterally with the Russian Federation through diplomatic channels. During Ireland's Presidency of the EU we openly discussed the Union's concern about human rights with Russia. The first ad hoc EU-Russia consultations on human rights were held under the Irish Presidency.
Domestic violence is a serious human rights problem in many countries and there are no quick or easy solutions. A uniform application of laws covering crimes against the person is a step towards a solution. The attitude of police forces is of crucial importance for women who are victims of domestic violence. With this in mind, Development Co-operation Ireland contributed €230,101 in 2002 and €230,101 in 2004 towards a Council of Europe police training programme in Russia entitled Police and Human Rights beyond 2000. A proportion of these funds are earmarked for police training on the issue of domestic violence. The programme provides training to the participants from the Russian police forces in areas such as recognition of the signs of domestic violence, and steps to be taken in handling these situations. The programme includes discussion of methods to prevent domestic abuse. Participants are advised on how to conduct effective investigations in cases of domestic violence.
In addition to these measures at national level, Ireland believes that human rights must be a central part of the EU-Russia relationship. There is agreement within the European Union that the development of such relations should be based on respect for human rights.