Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 November 2021
88. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government intends to raise the recent and ongoing destruction of places of religious worship by the military in Myanmar, as evidenced by recent media reports (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57889/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland strongly condemns the coup carried out by the Myanmar military in February and its attempts to legitimise the military regime. The coup is a reversal of the progress made towards democracy and rule of law in Myanmar that has taken years to establish. I am appalled by the grave human rights violations perpetrated by the Myanmar military in recent months and deeply concerned by the escalation of violence in recent weeks. I am also aware of reports of attacks against places of worship across Myanmar, including in Shan State.
Since the military coup, I have issued three statements strongly condemning the coup, calling for the immediate release of detainees, and expressing abhorrence at the indefensible killing of unarmed civilians. Ireland is also actively engaged through the European Union and in our role as an elected member of the Security Council to call on all sides to refrain from violence, and to fully respect human rights and comply with international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law.
On 10 November, the EU released a statement condemning in the strongest terms the attacks by the Myanmar military on civilians and villages in Chin State, including the use of torture, sexual violence, arbitrary detention and the destruction of private property and religious sites, which are blatant violations of human rights and international law and call for justice and accountability.
The situation in Myanmar has been considered seven times by the United Nations Security Council, most recently on 8 November 2021. At that meeting Ireland also raised the destruction of places of worship. The Security Council issued a statement on 10 November expressing deep concern at further recent violence across Myanmar and calling for an immediate cessation.
Military rule opens scope for further human rights abuses in Myanmar and Ireland has voiced its concern at four sessions of the Human Rights Council since February 2021. Ireland has consistently voiced support for international efforts towards ensuring accountability and justice in Myanmar, including the ongoing processes at the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.
Ireland will continue to work actively to use our influence with partners and through our position on the Security Council and our EU membership to promote the rule of law and protect the human rights of the people of Myanmar.
