Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 February 2014
2. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the concerns surrounding the evacuation of Homs and the fact that the UN Human Rights Council has raised human rights concerns after some evacuees were detained; and if he has discussed this and the upcoming Geneva talks with his EU counterparts. [8272/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraWe have discussed the conflict in Syria on numerous occasions in this Chamber and at the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade. We are all aware of the huge destruction and the large number of human casualties this war has caused. There have been terrible injuries, deaths and poverty, and there are approximately 9 million refugees in need of humanitarian assistance. While we know the Geneva talks will not solve the issue overnight, I have asked this question to ascertain what was discussed at the last Foreign Affairs Council and the proposals, if any, arising from that.
I take seriously the concerns which have been raised about the well-being of detained evacuees from Homs. The tragedy of Homs, which is just one of a number of areas under siege in Syria, and the deprivation inflicted on its remaining population represent without doubt a crime under international humanitarian law.
Last week’s cynical and cowardly attack against the Homs humanitarian relief convoy, which killed 11 civilians and almost killed the UN country representative and his colleagues, underlines the inhumane conduct of this conflict. It is important to acknowledge the dedication and courage of those same UN staff, who again risked their lives to enter Homs shortly afterwards.
The UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross have also voiced concerns, which we share, about possible torture and mistreatment, and the possible misuse by the regime for either military or intelligence-gathering purposes of the evacuation efforts by the UN and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent. UN staff have sought to remain with those detained for their protection. I understand more than 200 of the male evacuees originally detained have now been released but some 180 continue to be questioned and processed by Syrian state agencies. I call for the immediate release of all those being held and for no further obstacles to the safe evacuation of those who wish to leave Homs.
The ongoing crisis in Syria and the Geneva II negotiations were discussed by the Foreign Affairs Council last week which I attended. Issues raised included the chemical weapons destruction programme; the prospect of a humanitarian resolution at the UN Security Council, which I have consistently called for and which now has full EU support; the renewal of the Geneva II negotiations; and the humanitarian crisis in Syria and across the region. All member states expressed concerns about the appalling impact of this crisis and a shared determination to support the Geneva II process.
Thankfully more than 1,400 people have been able to leave the old city of Homs. Many people would regard this as the first positive development arising from the Geneva II talks. The attack on the convoy should be condemned utterly. There is potential for some movement but there are clearly elements that do not want to see the innocent civilians who are trapped in Homs released.
The fact that the regime arrested and detained many men and boys who were leaving raises serious questions about the potential for further evacuations not only from Homs but also from other areas. There have some successful attempts in other areas. Is there anything the EU can do in this regard? I welcome that Ireland has stepped up to the plate in allocating additional funding. Can we outline our dismay over the arrest and detention of young men leaving the area? Is there any potential for raising the issue of detentions with the Syrian Government and others around the table at the Geneva II talks?
There are a number of issues here. First, we have the Geneva II talks. I regret that the talks have not made real progress towards the ending of the conflict. Opposition representatives have made constructive efforts to set out realistic principles for a roadmap to end the conflict and preserve the Syrian state.
From the statement issued by the Special Representative, Mr. Brahami, it is clear that the regime, with the support of its international backers, has refused to engage on the formation of a transitional governing body, one of the key elements of the Geneva communique. I urge the Syrian regime, led by President Assad, and its international supporters - particularly Russia and Iran - to change direction and to engage seriously to bring about a negotiated end to this horrific conflict.
The second issue is the siege at Homs, which I have already mentioned. Some 2,500 to 3,000 people were under siege in Homs, with approximately 250,000 people under siege across Syria, which is a major issue.
The third issue is humanitarian relief. On a per capita basis Ireland has been one of the biggest contributors to humanitarian aid and relief in Syria. The Minister of State, Deputy Costello, announced an additional allocation of €5 million this year, with approximately €26 million committed to the humanitarian effort in Syria to date. However, the problem is getting the humanitarian aid to those who need it. That is why we need a UN Security Council resolution, which we have been encouraging. Last week's Foreign Affairs Council collectively supported that. So there is a united European Union position to secure a UN Security Council resolution, which I hope can be progressed in order to provide better access for humanitarian aid to those who need it in Syria.
When we met the Iranian foreign affairs Minister and raised the issue of possible humanitarian corridors, he said there were discussions involving Iran, Turkey and some other countries in the region which would have credibility not only with the Syrian regime led by President Assad but also with the rebels. If we can get agreement from those countries in the surrounding area that have an interest in what is going on, perhaps we could build on that.
I welcome the funding the Government has given to humanitarian assistance, including the refugee issue in Syria and outside it. The EU has agreed to accept 30,000 Syrian refugees from Lebanon under the UNHCR refugee resettlement programme. However, the Government is only planning on accepting 90 of these refugees. While I understand the constraints under which we operate, which we see every day, is it possible for the Government to review this? Was the refugee crisis discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting? While I welcome what we are doing in Syria and the neighbouring countries, is there more Ireland can do?
As the Deputy said, Ireland is taking some refugees. The issue of refugees is a matter for the Minister for Justice and Equality and I know he is keeping it under consideration. We need to recognise the scale of the problem here. Some 2 million people are in refugee camps in countries bordering Syria. It is on a scale at which the taking of refugees does not address the entire problem.
We have been concentrating on getting assistance to the refugees and humanitarian assistance into Syria and using our good offices to encourage a resolution of the conflict. It is essential that we continue the efforts to get Geneva II moving. Ultimately, the conflict has to be resolved through that process. In the meantime, it is urgent that humanitarian aid get through to the people who need it. The UN agencies must be enabled to do their work on issues such as the evacuation of Homs.
