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Gnáthamharc

Human Rights

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2022

Tuesday, 10 May 2022

Ceisteanna (142)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

142. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he and his Department, through the European Union and United Nations continue to press for a serious investigation into the numerous human rights violations now taking place throughout the globe with particular reference to the ongoing war in Ukraine perpetrated by Russia; if Ireland’s position on the United Nations Security Council can be used to press these issues at an early date; if the international criminal courts in the Hague can be utilised in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22907/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The promotion and protection of human rights is a key foreign policy priority for Ireland within our commitment to a strong and fair rules-based multilateral order with the United Nations (UN) at its core. Our current term on the UN Security Council for 2021-2022 actively reflects that commitment while mainstreaming human rights across all areas of the Security Council agenda.

Since the illegal, unprovoked and unjustified further invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces on 24 February, Ireland has stood in unwavering solidarity with the people and government of Ukraine. We continue to work at the UN, EU, International Criminal Court, the Council of Europe, the OSCE to bring an end to this war and to ensure accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

At the UN, Ireland has been at the forefront of efforts to hold Russia accountable for its actions. At the Security Council and the General Assembly, we have urged others to join us in condemning the Russian invasion and calling for an immediate withdrawal from the entire territory of Ukraine.

Likewise, in my remarks to the high level segment of the 49th Human Rights Council (HRC), I focused exclusively on the situation in Ukraine, calling for an immediate ceasefire, unconditional withdrawal of Russian forces, full respect for human rights and the holding to account of all perpetrators of violations and abuses of human rights. In March, Ireland supported the establishment of an independent international commission of inquiry, comprising three human rights experts who have already been appointed. This will complement the existing UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine deployed in 2014.

The HRC, based in Geneva, is the primary international forum responsible for advancing respect for human rights. Our previous membership of the Council (2013-15) enabled us to contribute substantively to the promotion and protection of human rights. In order to continue this work, Ireland intends to seek our next term on the HRC for the period 2027 – 2029.

The EU has also responded swiftly to impose unprecedented sanctions against Russia together with a commitment to provide over a billion euros in support to Ukraine.

Ireland regards the International Criminal Court as the cornerstone of a strong international criminal justice system and we remain consistent in our support for the Court. Ireland is one of over 40 countries that referred the situation in Ukraine to the International Criminal Court and we are providing a further €3 million which will assist with regard to all situations before the court.

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