Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 June 2013
67. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the international community continues to monitor events in Syria with particular reference to the degree to which any intervention on humanitarian grounds might be considered in the context of the provision of safe havens or corridors within which refugees might be accommodated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31120/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe humanitarian crisis in Syria and neighbouring countries is distressing. The number of fatalities as a result of the widespread and indiscriminate violence is in excess of 90,000 and there are now almost 7 million people in need of emergency humanitarian assistance inside Syria, many of whom are children. Fear and uncertainty have forced more than 1.6 million Syrians to flee to neighbouring countries, with more than 4 million more displaced from their homes within Syria’s borders. Ireland’s total support in response to this humanitarian crisis is now almost €10 million after the Government recently announced a further assistance package of €1.65 million. This makes Ireland one of the most generous contributors in the world to the humanitarian response on a per capita basis. Ireland’s total support includes the pledge of €4.7 million made at the Kuwait Pledging Conference for Syria in January, which was met in full. Ireland’s humanitarian assistance is being provided through trusted UN agencies, NGO partners and the Red Cross to deliver life saving support, including with water, food, shelter and vital medicines, to the most vulnerable and in greatest need as a result of this disaster.
Humanitarian access remains a serious concern. Excessive controls on aid agencies working in the country, restrictions imposed by the Assad regime, the fragmentation of the armed opposition and the intensity of military confrontations make it very difficult to access populations in need of humanitarian assistance. We must work together to improve access for humanitarian agencies. Where it is proving too difficult to reach those most in need simply through cross-line activities, we must consider alternative forms of aid delivery, including the cross border delivery of assistance.
Earlier this month, Under-Secretary-General and Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay issued a joint statement in relation to the civilians trapped and wounded in the town of Al-Qusayr. In their statement they underlined that all parties must immediately halt all actions that might result in civilian loss of life and damage, and to permit civilians to move to safer areas. Humanitarian agencies must be allowed to evacuate the wounded and provide life-saving treatment and supplies.
At the G8 Summit last week, it was again emphasised that all humanitarian action takes place in a manner consistent with humanitarian principles and international law. Those suffering the consequences of hunger and conflict throughout the world benefit from our respect for the core principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. As Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos has also underlined, we must caution against calls for military interventions in support of humanitarian actions which may place vulnerable people and aid workers at further risk.
In relation to calls which have been made for the establishment of a no-fly zone over Syria, this would obviously necessitate broad international agreement and could only be authorised through a UN Security Council Resolution specifically mandating such a step. Regrettably, the Security Council has not been able to agree any Resolution on Syria since the conflict erupted in March 2011 and it appears most unlikely that the political will exists within the Council at present to reach agreement on such a proposal.
I very much welcome US and Russian efforts to convene a peace conference in Geneva in the coming weeks. If the suffering arising from this conflict is to be alleviated then clearly, more must be more done to reduce the violence and persuade all sides in Syria to commit to peace talks and the promotion of a democratic transition. The diplomatic efforts to convene the Geneva II conference will hopefully be considerably advanced by last week’s agreement by the G8 in Enniskillen on the urgent need for a political solution.
