Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 October 2021
229. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the situation in Myanmar and the efforts Ireland is making at both an EU level and on the UN Security Council to attempt to address the conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49886/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI strongly condemn the coup carried out by the Myanmar military and the attempts to consolidate or legitimise the regime. I call for an end to violence, the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained, including the President and State Counsellor, and the restoration of a legitimate, democratic civilian Government. As a result of the coup, there is a political and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. The situation remains grave, and continues to deteriorate. More that 500,000 people have been displaced and are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. The country is suffering from conflict, severe economic recession, large-scale displacement, collapsing public and health services and a significant surge in COVID-19 cases. This crisis affects not just Myanmar, but threatens the stability of the region. Ireland supports an urgent, international effort to address pressing humanitarian issues within Myanmar.
Ireland continues to provide support and assistance for the most vulnerable communities in Myanmar and I have called on the Myanmar military to allow unhindered access to all regions for humanitarian workers.
My Department continues to provide significant resources to humanitarian partners in Myanmar, with approximately €2.5 million approved for 2021 to date. In July, the Emergency Response Fund Scheme (ERFS) was activated in support of a project to ensure that women and girls affected by the crisis in the conflict affected Kayah State are protected from, and treated for, the consequences of Gender Based Violence.My Department is also engaged in regular discussions with the European Union, United Nations (UN) structures, International NGOs, Human Rights Groups and other organisations working actively on the ground.
Ireland supports the adoption of the sanctions against the perpetrators of the coup and the economic entities that sustain them. In this regard, I endorsed the strong and comprehensive approach set out in the Council Conclusions adopted by the EU Foreign Affairs Council on February 22 and the adoption of sanctions on 22 March, 19 April and 21 June. We continue to work with the EU to consider further actions which will work to restore the democratic path in Myanmar and not negatively affect developmental gains or exacerbate the humanitarian situation.
Ireland also continues to actively engage with discussions at the UN Security Council. The Council must consider how it can contribute to a democratic resolution to the crisis. We cannot just not stand by and watch the current situation be normalised and the actions of the Tatmadaw, in seizing power and utilising brutal force against their own citizens, go without rebuke.
Through the UN and our Embassy network, my Department is encouraging all those who have influence on the military leadership to use it to find a political resolution to this crisis and protect the human rights of the people of Myanmar.
