Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
19. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to reports by an organisation (details supplied) that a three year old Christian child and nine others died recently in north-western Kaduna state, Nigeria, in an early morning attack on a Christian village carried out by armed Muslim herdsmen of Fulani origin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11816/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am deeply concerned by the rise in violence in Nigeria in recent times. I was shocked and saddened by the attacks which took place in Kaduna State and in other parts of Nigeria. There can be no justification for acts of violence and discrimination based on religion or beliefs.
I am concerned by the violent clashes between nomadic herders and sedentary agrarian communities, which have escalated in recent years and pose a serious challenge to stability and security. While the vast majority of herders are Muslim and many of the farmers are Christian, the roots of this violence lie in access to land, in the context of scarce natural resources due to rapid climate change in the Sahel. The clashes have been aggravated in recent years by rapid population growth in Africa's most populous country.
Ireland works bilaterally, within the European Union, and with UN partners to promote peace and security in areas affected by armed groups and insecurity. Ireland’s Embassy in Abuja actively monitors developments in country, advises on the humanitarian response, and supports Ireland’s engagement in EU and UN forums. Over the past number of years Ireland has provided funding to support those affected by this conflict through support to organisations such as The Holy Rosary Sisters and the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue. Ireland also provides funding to the Institute for Integrated Transitions, an NGO working in Nigeria, which has assisted in the establishment of an inter-ethnic and inter-religious committee on long term solutions to ethnic and religious violence.
Ireland is committed to continuing to provide much needed support and assistance to people in Nigeria in working towards peace and stability.
