Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 June 2022
110. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will request his Department to engage with the National Unity Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar on issues regarding the military junta’s crimes and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33054/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra112. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether as a member of the United Nations Security Council, Ireland must not ignore the continuous human rights abuses being carried out daily by the military junta in Myanmar; if he will ensure that the ongoing crisis in Myanmar is brought before the United Nations Security Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33056/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 112 together.
Ireland remains gravely concerned at the deteriorating security, human rights and humanitarian situation in Myanmar and recognises the need for a unified international response to ensure an end to the crisis. Ireland is actively engaged on Myanmar in our role as an elected member of the Security Council, including by calling on the military and all parties for an urgent end to violence, full respect for human rights and compliance with international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law. At a private meeting of the United Nations Security Council on 27 May, the 9th such meeting since the crisis began, Ireland reiterated our grave concern at the situation, particularly violence against civilians and the ongoing brutality of the Tatmadaw. Ireland will continue to call for regular discussions at the Security Council on Myanmar. We also support the role of regional partners including ASEAN, ASEAN’s Special Envoy and the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary General, and we urge the prompt implementation of ASEAN’s five-point consensus
Ireland’s practice is to recognise states and not governments. We do not therefore recognise specific governments in Myanmar or elsewhere.
Reflecting our core values, Ireland is committed to promoting a fair, just and more secure world. In contexts of conflict, we underline the importance of inclusion and engagement of key stakeholders in negotiating acceptable and sustainable solutions. Ireland acknowledges the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) and the National Unity Government (NUG) as important stakeholders in Myanmar’s future, and encourages their involvement in discussions and negotiations to resolve the current crisis. Ireland has engaged with the NUG at official level from Ireland, through our Embassies in Bangkok and London, and via the Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations in New York.
Ireland stands with the people of Myanmar and will continue to work actively within the European Union, the United Nations, including through membership of the United Nations Security Council to support the people of Myanmar. We reiterate that the democratic will of the people must be respected and call for the immediate restoration of legitimate, civilian government.
