Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2019
82. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the diplomatic actions Ireland is taking in respect of new homophobic laws in Brunei; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17617/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra86. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to new legislation introduced in Brunei which includes punishments such as death by stoning or whipping for homosexuality; if he will condemn these new laws; and if he has raised the issue directly with the Government of Brunei. [17559/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 86 together.
I am aware of the recent implementation of certain measures under the Penal Code of Brunei-Darussalam which includes the potential imposition of the death penalty and corporal punishment against those engaging in consensual same-sex sexual activity. I add Ireland's voice to that of the EU and many other international partners in expressing our grave concern at these developments and call on Brunei to take urgent steps to ensure it upholds its international human rights obligations.
Some of the punishments provided for in this criminal code amount to torture, acts of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment which are prohibited by the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, signed by Brunei-Darussalam in 2015. As well as going against the 2012 ASEAN Human Rights Declaration, these punishments may also breach Brunei's obligations as a party to the Convention of the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
In relation to the specific provisions referred to by the Deputies, Ireland is committed to promoting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI+) individuals, who continue to suffer disproportionate levels of violence and face systemic discrimination in many countries. In both our bilateral and multilateral engagement on human rights, Ireland focuses on ensuring individuals’ human rights and non-discrimination, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Irish Consulates and Embassies overseas cooperate closely with EU delegations and Embassies of the other EU Member States to advocate for the rights of LGBTI+ persons, including advocating for the decriminalisation of homosexuality where it exists, and against its criminalisation where this is contemplated.
Furthermore, Ireland also raises the rights of LGBTI+ individuals at international level through our work at the United Nations and the European Union as well as our engagement in regional organisations such as the Council of Europe and the OSCE.
Our diplomatic network also actively supports LGBTI+ rights by participating in Gay Pride parades and similar events across the world.
Additionally, Ireland reaffirms its strong and unequivocal opposition to capital punishment in all circumstances and for all cases. Ireland expects Brunei-Darussalam to maintain its de facto moratorium on the use of the death penalty.
Finally, at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva we will take the opportunity of the upcoming Universal Periodic Review of Brunei-Darussalam next month to call on their Government to abide by its international and regional human rights commitments and obligations.
