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Foreign Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 July 2021

Tuesday, 13 July 2021

Ceisteanna (378)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

378. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has made representations to his Nigerian counterparts concerning the ongoing campaign of violence against Christians in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria that is continuing unabated with many observers describing it as genocide in view of the fact that over 1,400 Christians are estimated to have been murdered to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37462/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am deeply concerned by ongoing violence between nomadic herders and sedentary agrarian communities, which has escalated in Nigeria in recent years, and poses a serious challenge to stability and security in the country and the region more generally. There can be no justification for acts of violence and discrimination based on religion or belief. While the vast majority of herders are Muslim and many of the farmers are Christian, the roots of this violence lie primarily 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 with the Nigerian authorities, as a European Union Member State, 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, advocates for the protection of human rights, and supports Ireland’s engagement in EU and UN forums. Over the past number of years, Ireland has provided humanitarian funding to support those affected by conflict. 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, religious, and resource based violence, including conflict between sedentary farmers and nomadic herders.

The Embassy of Ireland in Abuja continues to closely follow developments in Nigeria in cooperation with Government authorities, civil society organisations, and our EU and UN partners. The Department of Foreign Affairs is committed to continuing to provide much needed support and assistance to people in Nigeria who are working for peace and stability.

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