Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 October 2015
361. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will consider a matter (details supplied) regarding the mass persecution of Christians, Yazidi and Muslim minority groups in Syria and Iraq by ISIS; if he will support calls for Dáil Éireann to declare these acts as a genocide, under the relevant United Nations treaties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35767/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have repeatedly condemned the horrific crimes by ISIS against religious and ethnic minorities in Syria and Iraq. ISIS has boasted of its use of murder, torture, mass sexual violence and forced religious conversions in areas under its control. Ireland has publicly condemned ISIS and other terrorist groups at the United Nations, including at the recent Human Rights Council session. I note that the High Commissioner for Human Rights concluded in his March 2015 report that, subject to a determination by an independent and competent court, ISIS may have committed war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. We echo his call that, in order to provide accountability and justice for the victims, all crimes are investigated in line with international human rights standards, and perpetrators are brought to justice.
