Neither Ireland nor, as far as I am aware, the European Union or the United Nations maintains a "top ten" list of countries in regard to the violations highlighted by the Deputy. In our foreign policy, which is expressed in direct contact with other countries or multilaterally through the EU, the UN, and other international bodies such as the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (chaired this year by Ireland), we are working to alleviate incidences of war, terror, human rights or other abuses, and to enhance international peace and security.
Together with its EU partners, Ireland monitors closely the situation in many countries, including post-conflict countries, throughout the world. We do this on the basis of information obtained from a variety of sources including official channels, National Human Rights Institutions and non-governmental/civil society organisations. We make known our concerns about particular violations of human rights to the Governments in question.
The EU has adopted Common Positions on certain countries, which attach priority to promoting human rights, democracy, good governance and the rule of law. In addition, the EU conducts regular dialogues with a number of countries and raises human rights concerns as part of political dialogue meetings.
Ireland endorses the use of the full UN human rights machinery in responding to human rights abuses. This includes supporting the role of UN Human Rights Treaty Monitoring Bodies, Special Procedures and Mandate Holders and the convening, where appropriate, of Special Sessions of the UN Human Rights Council. To complement this, the UN Human Rights Council has established a Universal Periodic Review (UPR) which assesses the human rights record of all UN Member States. At the UN, the EU makes statements on the human rights situations in countries around the world. Ireland is fully associated with these statements.
Ireland has been a consistent and strong supporter of the International Criminal Court, recognising it as an essential means of combating impunity for the most serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law.
Ireland promotes full observance of universal human rights standards. Our active participation in multilateral organisations such as the EU and the UN provides us with an opportunity to voice our concerns regarding human rights abuses. Through these organisations, international pressure can be brought to bear on those responsible for violation of human rights. Ireland will continue to use these mechanisms as a means of highlighting violations of human rights and furthering the protection of human rights. We will also, through our official aid programme, continue to promote human rights and good governance in places of greatest need.