Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 October 2014
485. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views in relation to the rise in persecution of Christians worldwide as outlined in the recently published Church in Chains Global Guide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40381/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra486. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will seek a special discussion at the EU Foreign Affairs Council on the rise in persecution of Christians worldwide as documented in the recently published Church in Chains Global Guide as the European Parliament passed a resolution on this particular issue in October 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40397/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra487. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he proposes to have the recent publication Church in Chains Global Guide discussed at the United Nations Human Rights Council in view of the fact that Church in Chains is an independent Irish charity and a member of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade non-governmental organisation standing committee on human rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40398/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 485 to 487, inclusive, together.
Ireland condemns all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, irrespective of where they occur or who are the victims. Ireland is deeply concerned by the persecution of Christians. Ireland attaches great importance to combatting all forms of discrimination based on religion or belief and incitement to religious hatred. We firmly believe in tolerance, non-discrimination, freedom of expression, freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief. Where possible, Ireland raises the issue of the safety of Christians through its official bilateral contacts with the countries in question, stressing the responsibility of the government to protect all citizens and minorities.
Ireland consistently presses for effective action to counter the persecution of minorities in all relevant international fora, including the EU and UN. Just last month (29 September) I highlighted the issue when I addressed the UN General Assembly in New York. I also raised it during my meeting with UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon.
Ireland is working within the EU to address the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities, notably with the EU Guidelines on Freedom of Religion or Belief adopted during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union last year. These Guidelines provide EU officials with an overview of the legal and policy framework within which the right to freedom of religion or belief is protected. They also elaborate an EU strategy on how to engage with third countries on the right to freedom of religion or belief, a strategy which we hope to see bear fruit as we assess the implementation of the Guidelines.
Ireland has been active at both the United Nations Human Rights Council and the Council of the European Union in raising human rights issues, and in particular issues regarding freedom of religion or belief. We appreciate the input from Church in Chains, and their input informs our position on particular issues of persecution of religious minorities.
I can assure you that Ireland will continue to actively support freedom of religion or belief across our foreign policy.
