Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2013
197. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he had, or intends to have, discussions with the Burmese Ambassador in relation to human rights abuses of the Rohingya people in Burma and if he will pursue this matter in his role on the Human Rights Council. [3007/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government follows closely reports of human rights abuses of the Rohingya people in Burma/Myanmar and is concerned about the situation. While Ireland’s diplomatic relations with Burma/Myanmar are maintained on a secondary accreditation basis via our Embassy in Vietnam and through the Embassy of Burma/Myanmar in London, we continue to work through the mechanisms of the EU and UN to ensure that human rights are respected in Burma/Myanmar and elsewhere.
Our Ambassador in Hanoi is due to present credentials in Burma/Myanmar as soon as dates are confirmed. Following accreditation, the issues raised by the Deputy will be discussed with the Burma/Myanmar authorities.
Ireland remains engaged at both European Union and international levels in monitoring the situation in Burma/Myanmar, including that of the Rohingya. Human rights have been a priority of successive Irish governments and are a key dimension of our foreign policy. Ireland, as an elected member of the Human Rights Council, will work closely with partners at the Council to ensure the continuation of international scrutiny of the human rights situation in Burma/Myanmar.
At the 67th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Ireland along with our international partners, urged the Government of Burma/Myanmar to accelerate its efforts to address human rights concerns and called upon the Government to grant safe, timely, full and unhindered access across Rakhine State.
Ireland stands ready to share its experiences and to assist the process of democratisation in Burma/Myanmar. Together with our EU colleagues, we want recent positive developments to bring lasting change for the people of Burma/Myanmar.
Ireland’s recent experience in Asia is relevant to Burma/Myanmar, given our involvement in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia as well as in Timor Leste. We also actively engage in EU discussions to shape the priorities for European co-operation in development assistance with Burma/Myanmar. To date, Irish Aid has provided over €7m to Burma/Myanmar through NGOs and Irish missionaries for long-term development and emergency and recovery responses.
Ireland shares the EU approach to areas of co-operation which include poverty reduction, in particular among ethnic minority groups, support for democratic transformation, rule of law, human rights, including the release of all remaining political prisoners, accountability and good governance as well as support for electoral processes.
