I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 69 together.
I was appalled to learn that a 14-year-old Pakistani schoolgirl, Malala Yousafzai, was attacked by extremists for advocating girls’ rights to education in Swat, Pakistan. Malala Yousafzai is an admirable young woman who received Pakistan’s first national peace award last year, and was also nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize.
Ireland’s diplomatic relations with Pakistan are maintained by secondary accreditation via our Embassy in Ankara. Therefore I have requested that officials at the Embassy maintain contact with relevant EU colleagues in Islamabad regarding this case.
The Deputy will be aware that since this incident the High Representative / Vice President of the European Commission Catherine Ashton and the Secretary General of the United National Ban Ki Moon have both issued statements condemning this attack. I share their condemnation; such incidents are unacceptable. Like many others, I admire Malala Yousufzai’s courageous efforts to promote the fundamental right to education. She has arrived in England for specialist treatment and I wish her a full and speedy recovery.
The EU engages in regular dialogue with Pakistan on human rights and democratic principles, including the right to freedom of opinion and expression. The EU has called on the Pakistani authorities, at the highest level, to adopt measures to protect individual and minority rights in line with its Constitution and with international human rights standards and conventions. The EU has made clear to the Government of Pakistan that under its constitutional and international requirements it has a responsibility to protect its citizens.
Ireland attaches great importance to the fundamental human rights of freedom of expression and opinion. I will continue to work with my international colleagues through the mechanisms of the EU and the UN to ensure that these rights are protected. Furthermore, I have asked officials in my Department to monitor and report on the ongoing situation in Pakistan.
In relation to this specific case of Malala Yousafzai, I would also like to reiterate and support the recent statement by UNICEF which called on all parties in Pakistan to respect all children’s rights, including education in a safe and protective environment.