Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021
312. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way in which Ireland’s seat at the UN Security Council can assist with the humanitarian crisis in the Tigray region of Ethiopia and towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict there. [5007/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland remains deeply concerned by the ongoing armed conflict between the Federal Government of Ethiopia and the former regional authorities in Tigray, which began on 4 November. The conflict has had a devastating impact on the population of Tigray, and poses severe risks to the stability of the wider Horn of Africa region.
Ireland is engaging directly as well as actively supporting the efforts of the EU, UN and wider international community to address the crisis, including through engagement with the African Union. We are strongly supportive of regional efforts to try to find a resolution to the conflict. However progress has been limited to date.
In contacts with key interlocutors, Minister Coveney has called on all parties to cease hostilities, respect international humanitarian law and begin dialogue, as well as for immediate and unhindered humanitarian access to affected areas. He has condemned reported atrocities and identity-based attacks, and has called for the human rights of all Ethiopians to be upheld. The Minister continues to engage with regional actors in this regard, including in Addis Ababa, Nairobi and Pretoria, and through our membership of the European Union.
My Department has provided over €2.6 million to date to support the humanitarian response to the Tigray crisis. This includes €1.4 million to Irish NGOs within Tigray, €500,000 to the UN refugee agency to support the refugee response in neighbouring Sudan, and almost €750,000 towards humanitarian stocks, and supports for the protection of women and girls.
The crisis in Ethiopia was discussed at the UN Security Council on 24 November and 14 December last year. Due to the gravity of the situation, Ireland is raising the situation in Ethiopia at the Security Council this week. Ireland will continue to advocate for an urgent response to the humanitarian situation, and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
