Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 June 2022
162. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the engagement he has had with the officials in Myanmar since the 3 June 2022 announcement of the forthcoming execution of four political prisoners (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32982/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is unequivocal in its stance against the death penalty and the abolition of capital punishment is one of Ireland’s international priorities. I am gravely concerned by the passing of death sentences on a number of those arrested for peaceful protest and support for democracy in Myanmar. I understand that 114 people have been sentenced to death, primarily by military courts, without the possibility of appeal. On 13 June, Ireland addressed this issue at a meeting of the United Nations General Assembly with the UN Secretary General's Special Envoy for Myanmar, expressing our abhorrence at this action, and reiterating our call for the immediate release of all political prisoners and all those arbitrarily detained in Myanmar. The EU also spoke at that session, calling on the Myanmar de facto authorities to apply the moratorium on executions observed since 1988. In particular, the EU called on the de facto Myanmar authorities not to carry out the death sentences announced last week, to which the Deputy is referring. At a private meeting of the United Nations Security Council on 27 May, Ireland reiterated our grave concern at the deteriorating security, human rights and humanitarian situation in Myanmar, particularly violence against civilians and the ongoing brutality of the Tatmadaw.
As I have outlined in my previous statements on this matter, the election results of November 2020 and the sustained, large-scale popular opposition to the coup since 1 February demonstrate that the military have no mandate to govern Myanmar. The people of Myanmar have been resolute in rejecting the military coup. General Min Aung Hlaing’s self-appointment as Prime Minister is a clear attempt to normalise his position and does not reflect the democratic will of the people of Myanmar. Ireland has had no engagement or bilateral meeting with the Myanmar military.
We will continue to work with our partners in the EU, in the region, and in the context of our United Nations Security Council membership to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis, to consider further actions to restore the democratic path in Myanmar, and to protect the people of Myanmar.
