Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 June 2022
325. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which the international community continues to support, assist and endeavour to secure the release from prison of a person (details supplied); the extent to which the issue continues to be one of international concern; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33541/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has repeatedly condemned the coup carried out by the Myanmar military over one year ago. It is a reversal of the progress made towards democracy and rule of law in Myanmar which took years to establish. The people of Myanmar have consistently endorsed the democratic path and overwhelmingly reject the military coup.
Ireland has repeatedly called for the release of all those arbitrarily detained since the coup. At the Human Rights Council in March, Ireland’s National Statement specifically raised deep concerns regarding inhumane prison conditions and called for the immediate release of the State Counsellor and President.
Speaking on behalf of EU Member States, High Representative Borrell has strongly condemned the politically motivated verdicts handed down to Myanmar's leaders including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint. We believe these verdicts represent another step towards the dismantling of the rule of law, a further violation of human rights in Myanmar and an attempt to exclude democratically elected leaders from future political engagement and the inclusive dialogue process called for by ASEAN’s Five Point Consensus.
Ireland is actively engaged on the crisis in Myanmar in the context of our role on the United Nations Security Council. The Security Council has considered the situation in Myanmar nine times since the coup.
At a private meeting of the Security Council on 27 May, Ireland stressed that the international community, and the Security Council, has a responsibility to respond and to support those in Myanmar who are working steadfastly to pursue dialogue, peace and national reconciliation. Ireland is committed to ensuring that the Council continues to engage on this devastating crisis.
Through the UN and our Embassy network, we are encouraging those who have influence on the military leadership, including ASEAN and countries within the region, to use it to find a political resolution to this crisis and protect the human rights of the Myanmar people.
