Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 July 2022
313. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had any contact with his Spanish, Moroccan or European Union counterparts in relation to the death of migrants in Melilla; if he will support an independent investigation into the deaths; if he has concerns about human rights abuses on both sides of the Spanish-Moroccan border; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36140/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am deeply disturbed by the violence in Melilla on 24 June 2022. I am also shocked at the tragic deaths of at least 23 migrants and injury to many other migrants, as well as to Moroccan and Spanish personnel. My thoughts and sympathies go to all those who lost loved ones and to those who sustained injuries.
I welcome that the Spanish authorities have quickly announced an investigation into this incident. It is important that the facts of this tragedy be clearly set out in order to avoid the re-occurrence of such episodes in future.
The safety of migrants and refugees, refraining from the excessive use of force and upholding their human rights in accordance with international law, including international human rights law and international refugee law, as applicable, must remain a priority for the international community. I would take this opportunity to reiterate Ireland’s commitment to the Global Compact for safe, orderly and regular Migration and the Global Compact on Refugees. Ireland emphasised this commitment last week when this incident was discussed at a meeting of the UN Security Council. At that meeting, we also welcomed the announcement that an investigation would take place and underlined the importance of the protection of migrants’ human rights.
