Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 May 2017
309. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has considered funding treatment support for the Yazidi women in Iraq that have been subject to rape, torture and sexual slavery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21667/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn our humanitarian assistance, Ireland places a strong emphasis on the needs and vulnerabilities of women and girls in emergencies and conflict settings. A clear focus on gender equality, protection and gender based violence must be an essential part of every humanitarian operation. Since 2012, Ireland has provided just over €7.75 million in humanitarian assistance to Iraq. In 2016, over €3 million was allocated to UN and NGO partners in order to meet the urgent needs of the most vulnerable people inside Iraq, particularly in hard-to-reach areas and those who have been displaced internally. So far in 2017, we have provided €2 million to address the humanitarian crisis.
The majority of Ireland’s support has been provided to the UN Iraq Humanitarian Pooled Fund. The Fund provides support for protection services and, in particular, relief items for survivors of sexual and gender based violence.
The political turmoil which has overwhelmed many countries in the Middle East in recent years has led to increased concerns about the safety of women and children, religious minorities and other vulnerable minority groups. The only means of securing the protection of religious and other minorities across the Middle East is through the promotion of sustainable political solutions to the conflicts which have for so long destabilised the region and promoted radical and extremist ideologies. Ireland has consistently called for inclusive, democratic solutions to the unrest in the Middle East and North Africa region. In the Iraqi context, we have emphasised that the security effort must be accompanied by the implementation of the programme for national reconciliation set out by Prime Minister Abadi in late 2014 to avoid further sectarian divisions. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade continues to monitor actively the situation, advocating for the respect of international humanitarian and human rights law, and for equal access to humanitarian assistance by all vulnerable groups.
