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Religious Persecution

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2019

Tuesday, 16 April 2019

Ceisteanna (55)

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

55. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the diplomatic steps Ireland is taking to highlight and end the persecution of Christians worldwide. [17616/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí ó Béal (14 píosaí cainte)

One of the founding principles of the State, the European Union and the European Convention on Human Rights is freedom of religion and freedom to practise religion. As the Tánaiste will know, the persecution of Christians and other minorities seems to be rearing its head again. I note that the British Government has ordered an independent review of the matter to see what it can do about it. What is the Government response on this issue?

Under Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right, which is replicated in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, includes the freedom to change one’s religion or belief and the freedom, either alone or in community with others, to manifest one’s religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance in public or private.

Ireland strongly condemns all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, irrespective of where they occur or who the victims are. We are committed to promoting freedom of thought, conscience and religion, as well as the rights of persons belonging to religious minorities. This commitment to promoting freedom of religion and belief is reaffirmed in the Global Island strategy.

Ireland advocates for inclusive societies through our work with the UN Human Rights Council and, in particular, its universal periodic review of the human rights records of UN member states. We are also a member of the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, an informal cross-regional network which aims to encourage information sharing and co-operation between governments to discuss joint advocacy strategies for the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief internationally.

Ireland works within and alongside the EU to address the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities. We played a key role in the adoption of EU guidelines on freedom of religion or belief during our Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2013. The current EU action plan on human rights and democracy 2015-2019 includes express reference to the promotion of freedom of religion or belief. We will continue to work to ensure that freedom of religion or belief is addressed within the framework of EU external human rights policy.

I appreciate the response of the Tánaiste. Although I am primarily highlighting the persecution of Christians - mainly because it is increasing worldwide, as shown by statistics - countries which persecute Christians are likely to also persecute other minorities. It is an indication of the type of country in question. The worst country in the world for persecuting Christians is North Korea, although I am not suggesting that the Tánaiste will have much influence on it. However, in countries such as China and India in particular the persecution of Christians has been driven up a notch.

It is frightening, particularly in a country such as India, which is the world's largest democracy, that the persecution of Christians is rife. India is now, according to global statistics, among the top ten countries in the world in this regard. Similarly, we know that there are human rights issues in China. I strongly encourage the Tánaiste to raise those issues with China, where Christmas is banned and where those practising religion are not given the freedom they deserve. China, probably rightly, is engaging in forming many relationships with local authorities at present. I would appreciate it if the Tánaiste gave guidance to the County and City Management Association on human rights issues when its representatives meet Chinese officials.

I want to take two more questions after this so I ask the Tánaiste to be brief.

I recognise that the response I gave earlier was quite technical in referring to conventions, etc., but it was important to put that information on the record. We are seeing an increase in intolerance and persecution of minorities across the world. In some cases, the states involved feel that they almost have a licence to act as they do in the aftermath of the actions of other countries. We have seen an increase in the persecution of LGBT communities, for example, in a number of African countries. Yes, we have seen persecution of the Christian community in India. As I have stated, Ireland strongly condemns the targeting of religious minorities. Acts of violence and discrimination based on religion or belief committed in the name of religion or national security, whether by individual states or otherwise, must be challenged. I have asked my officials, including our embassy in New Delhi - Deputy Byrne mentioned India - to continue to monitor the situation in India in this regard and in co-operation with the EU. I also believe it would be appropriate to raise our concerns at the next meeting of the EU-India human rights dialogue.

I am glad to hear that. I was just about to say that I think many of our county managers and council officials meet Chinese officials and representatives regularly. In this context, I am concerned that human rights issues would be on the agenda and not simply glossed over in the interests of business and employment, which, of course, are important. There are serious human rights abuses happening in China. I am glad the Tánaiste is going to raise this at Council level but I also ask him to look to what his counterpart in the UK is doing and see whether there is anything Ireland can do following on from that. The Tánaiste is correct to state that the best action we can take is probably in the context of the EU, and I welcome that. Britain will not be part of the latter, which is unfortunate because we have more influence in the EU than Britain will have on its own. That is the truth. I recognise the cases of other minorities. A question we will not get to concerns the new homophobic laws in Brunei. It is important we stand up for what our beliefs are in this country and that people have an entitlement to practice whatever religious beliefs they want in absolute freedom.

Does Deputy Eugene Murphy have a short supplementary question? I want to take two more questions.

I have just a very quick question. The matter raised by Deputy Thomas Byrne is very important. It should be noted that women, not men, suffer most in terms of intimidation for their Christianity, and it is a fact that in Asia, the Middle East and Africa, there is an increasing abuse of people for their Christian beliefs. I learned recently that 350 people die every month as a result of their Christian beliefs. There is also the burning of Christian buildings all over the world, which has increased significantly in recent times. Again, beyond bringing this up with the EU - I know the Tánaiste is genuine about this as well - what can we do-----

We are going to run out of time.

-----to highlight this further?

I will give the Tánaiste one minute only because we are taking a group of questions next.

We have a closer relationship with China now than we have ever had previously. This involves more trade delegations, more interaction and more meetings that involve local government as well as national Government. I have taken the approach of being respectful but, at the same time, being upfront about human rights concerns and the approach to governance in China from a human rights perspective, as well as from a trade opportunity perspective. When one is upfront and respectful about this, it is a real conversation. I will certainly speak to the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, about this matter from the point of view of guidelines. The best thing we can do is to try to lead by example. Deputies will see Ireland working with New Zealand and other states on trying to build tolerance within our own countries in order to try to ensure that we do not see Islamophobia, for example, raising its head and that there is freedom of religion and belief, not a demonisation of it.

Go raibh maith agat. I want to deal with the next group of questions.

I hope countries such as Ireland, New Zealand and others can lead by example in order that we are more credible when we make criticisms.

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