Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2019
79. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the invoking of the genocide convention on Myanmar, a position that should be foremost in a country seeking a seat on the UN Security Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18528/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland, together with our EU partners, is deeply concerned over the findings of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission (IIFFM) of the Human Rights Council (HRC) and of other reports which conclude that gross human rights violations were committed in Rakhine, Kachin and Shan States in particular by the Myanmar/Burma Military (Tatmadaw), many of which amount to the gravest crimes under international law.
The IIFFM report also finds that there is sufficient information to warrant the investigation and prosecution of senior officials in the Tatmadaw chain of command, so that a competent court can determine their liability for genocide in relation to the situation in Rakhine State.
Ireland, together with our EU partners, has consistently called for the accountability of those who may be responsible for such crimes and has engaged in a number of actions at international level in this regard. The EU has presented and sponsored resolutions adopted on 27 September 2018 at the UN HRC and on 16 November 2018 at the UN General Assembly Third Committee, to follow up on relevant recommendations of the IIFFM, in particular the establishment of an “independent mechanism” to further investigate and prepare for fair and independent criminal proceedings in accordance with international standards in order to address the issue of accountability.
We will continue to work with our EU and other international partners to urge Myanmar to hold those responsible for these crimes to account.
This approach is considered to be the most effective one at present. While the possibility will be kept under review, Ireland is not currently considering submitting a dispute involving Myanmar under the Genocide Convention.
