Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 June 2021
273. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps taken by the international community to address human rights abuses in Hong Kong, Myanmar and any other locations in which those seeking democratic principles are being imprisoned for their beliefs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34203/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe protection and promotion of human rights is a core pillar of Ireland's foreign policy, and Ireland together with our international partners has been active in raising our concerns in relation to the situations in Hong Kong, in Myanmar and in other locations where human rights are under threat.
Like our EU partners, Ireland is concerned about the adoption by the National People’s Congress of a national security law in Hong Kong, which risks undermining the high degree of autonomy of Hong Kong under the One Country, Two Systems principle. Ireland fully supports the Council Conclusions on Hong Kong adopted by the EU last July, which set out a coordinated response package of measures in various fields including the operation of Member States' extradition agreements and other relevant agreements with Hong Kong. In line with these Conclusions, on 13 October 2020, the Government agreed to suspend Ireland’s Extradition Agreement with Hong Kong. I also raised the matter of Hong Kong in my recent meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, on 30 May.
The EU has also issued a number of statements in response to this situation. Most recently the High Representative and Vice President issued a statement on 9 June which stated that the EU will continue to pay increased attention to the situation in Hong Kong as part of the overall relations between the European Union and China. Prior to this, EU Member States issued a statement on 11 March which highlights our regret that the fundamental freedoms, democratic principles, and political pluralism that are central to Hong Kong's identity and prosperity are under increasing pressure by authorities.
Additionally, the EU has raised its concerns regarding the situation with Chinese authorities on a number of occasions, including directly during the most recent EU-China Summit and EU-China Leaders' Meetings, and in multilateral fora such as the Human Rights Council.
Ireland has strongly condemned the coup carried out by the Myanmar military and its use of violence against civilians. The coup is a reversal of the progress made towards democracy and rule of law in Myanmar that has taken years to establish, and does nothing to tackle the public health, security or economic issues faced by the people of Myanmar. I have called upon the Myanmar military to demonstrate restraint; respect human rights and the rule of law; immediately release political detainees; and restore legitimate civilian government.
Ireland remains active on this issue within the UN Security Council. The Council has expressed deep concerns regarding developments in Myanmar, has strongly condemned the use of violence by the military and has called for the release of all those detained. It is welcome that the Security Council has taken a united position on this crisis as this sends a strong message to the Myanmar military.
Ireland was also a member of the core group for the Resolution on Myanmar that was comprehensively adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 18 June, which included a call on all states to prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar. The Irish Mission to the UN continues to follow developments closely.
Additionally, I have endorsed the adoption of three rounds of EU sanctions against the perpetrators of the coup and the economic entities that sustain them, the most recent round being adopted on 21 June. Ireland will continue to urge the consideration by the EU of further measures that would be effective in working to restore the democratic path in Myanmar without negatively affecting developmental gains or exacerbating the humanitarian situation.
Military rule opens significant scope for further human rights abuses in Myanmar and Ireland has voiced its concern at the Special Session and the 46th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council. We welcome the unanimous resolutions agreed at both sessions. The consensus shown by the Human Rights Council is a significant and positive signal of accord on this issue within the international community.
Ireland and the EU will continue to monitor these situations and to raise our concerns in relation to Hong Kong, Myanmar and elsewhere, both bilaterally and in multilateral fora.
