Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 July 2016
486. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has concerns regarding the recent reports by Human Rights Watch (details supplied) documenting serious human rights abuses including physical and sexual violence and extrajudicial killings as a direct result of the EU's efforts to stem migration from Libya, and, in particular, Operation Sophia. [22390/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI take very seriously the reported abuses in the report referred to by the Deputy and condemn all such affronts against the fundamental rights and dignity of the persons concerned. I do not accept the contention that serious human rights’ abuses are a direct result of the EU's efforts to stem migration from Libya. The current political situation in Libya, with the absence of a functioning government, and the existence of a large number of irregular military groups has created the conditions where people are particularly vulnerable to breaches of their human rights. Ireland’s efforts in Libya are focused on working with our EU partners and the UN in supporting the formation of a functioning government which will be in a better position to protect the rights of both Libyan citizens and foreign nationals. In addition, there are several ongoing European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI) programmes in Libya targeted towards protecting vulnerable people, including migrants.
Operation Sophia is working to prevent this loss of life at sea by disrupting the business model of people smugglers and traffickers who exploit vulnerable people for profit and place their lives at risk. The Mission is one element of the comprehensive approach being pursued by the EU to address the migration crisis. It is being conducted in strict accordance with international law and participating vessels must be ready and equipped to perform search and rescue tasks. To date, the mission has rescued over 19,000 people. Ireland has not, to date, participated in the Mission and there are currently no plans to do so. Separately, over the past year, Ireland has assisted the Italian authorities on a bilateral basis in humanitarian search and rescue operations to prevent further tragedy and loss of life at sea. Almost 10,000 migrants have been rescued by Irish naval vessels operating in the Mediterranean since they commenced their deployments in May 2015.
In May, the Foreign Affairs Council agreed to extend Operation Sophia’s mandate until July 2017. It also agreed to broaden the mandate by adding two supporting tasks: training of the Libyan Coastguard and Navy; and implementation of the UN arms embargo based on a new UN Security Council Resolution, UNSCR 2292. This resolution was adopted on 14 June 2016 and now underpins the arms embargo task. When fully implemented, these measures will help towards restoring a level of stability, and assist in the building of a more effective political entity where human rights abuses are less likely to occur.
