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Human Rights

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 June 2022

Thursday, 23 June 2022

Ceisteanna (163)

John Brady

Ceist:

163. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has concerns regarding human rights violations at the Cerrejón mine in Colombia, given the recent decision to recommence the importation of coal from Colombia to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32926/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Ireland has a strong relationship with Colombia across many areas. Our longstanding cooperation and lesson-sharing around peacebuilding has been very successful and is a key pillar of our relationship.

As part of that relationship, Ireland takes a very active role in supporting human rights defenders, indigenous communities and civil society space in Colombia. We recognise that addressing social, land-related and environmental issues is an essential component of Colombia’s peace process, and we remain firmly committed to supporting the comprehensive implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement.

I am aware of human rights concerns that have been raised by civil society around the operation of the Cerrejón mine and my Department has been following these issues closely.

The Embassy of Ireland in Bogota has visited the region where the mine is located, as well as the mine itself, on two occasions. On both occasions, the Embassy interacted with all parties to the issues, including various local communities, local authorities, and the management of the mine, in order to gain a greater understanding of the circumstances. We have maintained this engagement with all stakeholders, including through the EU Delegation in Colombia.

Our assessment has been that the situation on the ground is complex. The Embassy, along with our EU partners, continues to encourage all stakeholders to engage in inclusive dialogue in order to resolve the issues.

As the Deputy refers to in his question, the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications has indicated to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the ESB recently ordered coal from the Cerrejon mine in order to maintain a secure coal supply.

The ESB has indicated that they work with other purchasers collectively through the Bettercoal initiative, and has highlighted that the Cerrejon mine is subject to independent assessments and that these are conducted in line with the Bettercoal Code, which establishes principles and standards to manage and mitigate the environmental, social and governance risks in coal supply chains.

In the area of business and human rights, my Department works closely with the multi-stakeholder Implementation Group for the National Plan on Business and Human Rights. This Group regularly engages with experts and considers best practice. 

I can assure the Deputy that officials in my Department in Dublin and at our Embassy in Bogotá will continue to remain actively engaged on all of the above issues and to maintain close contact with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and the ESB on this matter.

Question No. 164 answered with Question No. 135.
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