Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 March 2018
96. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the UNHCR reports presented at the recent Human Rights Council that outline the way in which living conditions across the West Bank and Gaza have worsened in particular for children over the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14030/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI share the Deputy’s concerns at the reports of the worsening living conditions in the West Bank and Gaza. The reports by UNHCR catalogue a number of human rights concerns that are having a particular effect on children, including settler violence, displacement and forcible transfer, home demolitions and forced evictions, and the arrest and arbitrary detention of children.
Many of these issues are linked to settlement construction and discriminatory policies favouring settlers and settlements over the rights of the Palestinian population. Ireland therefore continues to advocate for a greater international focus on these issues, and for stronger measures against settlements. The settlement project is contrary to international law, gravely threatens the prospects for a peace agreement, and inherently involves continuing and cumulative injustices and provocations to Palestinians. It is clear however that these injustices will only be fully ended when the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory is ended. I have therefore also prioritized, in my engagement at local, EU and international level, the need for continued political effort to revive a political process to end the occupation. Ireland also supports Israeli and Palestinian NGOs who are actively engaged in combatting injustices and discrimination on the ground.
During my working visit to Israel and Palestine in January, on which I have reported to the House, I expressed Ireland’s concerns about the impact of the continuing occupation, including settlement construction and the treatment of minors in detention, in my contacts with the Israeli administration. In a statement on 12 January, I condemned Israel’s announcement of plans for further settlement units in the West Bank.
In Ireland’s national statement at the most recent session of the Human Rights Council we condemned again the continuing and accelerating expansion of Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian territory. We also expressed concern about the situation of Palestinians in East Jerusalem, where the historic community is under great pressure.
