Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
700. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action that he has taken in response to the execution of democracy advocates (details supplied); and if he will raise the matter at the United Nations Security Council. [42177/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra708. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions that were taken by him, his Department and the United Nations Security Council to stop executions of pro-democracy and opposition leaders in Myanmar from being carried out further to his Department’s statement (details supplied) condemning the executions; and if he will call for the matter to be brought before the UNSC with a view of creating a clear, collective and concrete plan of action given that multiple reports now suggest that the military junta is preparing to execute a further 41 political prisoners. [42258/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 700 and 708 together.
I remain gravely concerned by the deteriorating security, human rights, and humanitarian situation in Myanmar. The country is suffering from severe economic recession, large-scale displacement, and collapsing public services.
At a meeting of the United Nations General Assembly with the UN Secretary General's Special Envoy for Myanmar on 13 June, Ireland expressed abhorrence on the passing of death sentences, primarily by military courts and without the possibility of appeal. 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. Ireland also expressed concern in a National Statement on Myanmar at the Human Rights Council on 29 June.
Ireland released a statement following the shocking announcement that four pro-democracy activists in Myanmar had been executed by the military. Ireland is unequivocal in its stance against the death penalty and condemns these killings in the strongest terms. In a press statement agreed by all 15 members, the UN Security Council also condemned these executions and recalled the ASEAN Chair’s Statement, which denounced the executions and expressed strong disappointment that they had proceeded despite appeals from the ASEAN Chair and some ASEAN members for the sentences to be reconsidered.
Ireland extends deep condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of Phyo Zeya Thaw, Kyaw MinYu (Ko Jimmy), Aung Thura Zaw, and Hla Myo Aung. Our thoughts are with them and all those who have been affected by the violence that in Myanmar since the coup in 2021.
Ireland calls for the immediate and unconditional release by the military of all those arbitrarily detained in Myanmar, including the State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint. On 2 September, the courts sentenced both Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint to a further three years imprisonment with hard labour, on charges of electoral fraud. Cumulatively, Aung San Suu Kyi now faces a total 20-year sentence, with further cases outstanding. Ireland supports the EU's condemnation of these sentences and its call for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners. Such proceedings appear to be an attempt to exclude Aung San Suu Kyi and democratically elected leaders from future political engagement in Myanmar, contrary to the inclusive approach called for by ASEAN's five-point consensus.
Ireland is engaged in discussions at the UN Security Council where the crisis remains on the agenda, and continues to work closely with partners in the EU to encourage a diplomatic solution to end this crisis and, above all, the suffering of the people of Myanmar.
