Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 November 2013
150. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the situation in Sudan continues to be monitored by the UN and the EU; the extent to which efforts to bring about an improvement in the area in respect of human rights and other issues has been achieved to date through the efforts of the international community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49545/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe situation in Sudan and South Sudan is monitored on an ongoing basis by the EU, the UN and other international partners. Ireland is working closely with our EU partners and others to ensure that, in addition to a focus on the political and security situation, priority is given by the international community to the vital issues of human rights and humanitarian access to people and communities affected by the conflict and the tension in the region. The latest outbreak of violence in Sudan, including the attacks on UNAMID peacekeepers on 13 October near El Geneina, in West Darfur, in which one Zambian and three Senegalese peacekeepers were killed and one more wounded, were strongly condemned by the EU High Representative Catherine Ashton, and by UN Secretary General Ban and members of the UN Security Council. I am pleased to note that the mandate of the joint African Union - UN lead mission, which is over 20,000-strong and contributes greatly to peace and security in the region, has recently been extended until August 2014.
In January last, with Ireland’s encouragement, the EU urged the Government of Sudan to allow safe and unhindered access for international humanitarian workers to all civilians and has underlined the fact that the ongoing conflicts in Southern Kordofan, Blue Nile and Darfur remain obstacles to progress in providing the full range of support that we would like to provide to Sudan, and in the greater region. The UN Security Council on 2 May and 17 May adopted Resolutions demanding that both Sudan and South Sudan fulfil their obligations under international law to allow access by humanitarian agencies to civilian populations in need of assistance.
In the period following the adoption of the UN Security Council Resolutions, there has reportedly been some calming of the tensions between Khartoum and Juba, and less violence on the ground. However, the issue of humanitarian access has remained unclear, despite continuing pressure from the EU and other parties.
On 27 June 2012, the Sudanese Government finally approved a Tripartite Proposal of the African Union, the Arab League and the United Nations for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to civilians in the areas of the Blue Nile and South Kordofan held by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N). The deal further included a joint plan between the Sudanese Government and the UN to deliver humanitarian relief to those in need in both states.
Ireland also ensures that focused attention is given to the situation in both Sudan and South Sudan in the UN Human Rights Council, of which Ireland is currently a member. At the 23rd session of the Human Rights Council in June 2013, Ireland, as Presidency of the Council of the European Union, delivered a statement on behalf of the European Union about the human rights situation in South Sudan. In it, the European Union expressed concern at reports of increasing intimidation towards journalists and human rights defenders, as well as serious constraints on the rights to freedom of expression and of assembly. The EU encouraged the Government of South Sudan to bring the legal framework regulating activities of civil society actors in line with international standards. The statement also highlighted major concerns as to the justice and prison systems and encouraged the Government of South Sudan to ensure accountability for all perpetrators of human rights violations.
At the 24th session of the UN Human Rights Council which took place in September 2013, the EU delivered a statement to the Council under Item 4 of the Council’s agenda. Item 4 deals with human rights situations that require the Council’s attention. This statement expressed concern as to the violent conflict in both Sudan and South Sudan, noting in particular ongoing human rights violations against civilians, perpetrated in impunity.
As a member of the EU, Ireland aligned itself fully with this EU statement and also made a national statement under Item 4 which further emphasised our concerns as to the situation in Sudan.
At the same session, Ireland also intervened in the interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Sudan, focussing in particular on freedom of religion and the rights of women and children. Ireland urged the Government of Sudan to implement fully its constitutional provisions and international obligations relating to freedom of religion, ensuring respect for the religious belief of others. Ireland noted its disquiet at the security risks, including sexual and gender-based violence to which women are exposed and urged the Government of Sudan to accede to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women at the earliest opportunity.
My Department is currently in contact with a range of interlocutors in Sudan, including our Irish NGO partners working in the area. In terms of practical and financial support, the Government has provided substantial assistance for those affected by the conflict in this region. At the start of this year, I approved an allocation of €3 million for the UN-managed Common Humanitarian Funds (CHFs) for both the Republic of Sudan and South Sudan. On 8 July, in recognition of deterioration in the humanitarian situation I announced a further funding allocation of €2m to these CHFs. These funds are being provided to help UN agencies and NGOs target the most critical humanitarian needs across both countries, including in areas affected by conflict and by displacement of populations from the Blue Nile and South Kordofan areas. In addition, almost €2.5 million in assistance has been allocated to a number of key Irish NGO partners, including Goal, Trócaire, MSF and World Vision for programmes in Sudan and South Sudan under the annual Irish Aid Humanitarian Programme Plan funding scheme.
