Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
762. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the continued imprisonment of a person (details supplied) continues to be raised at an international level with particular reference to the need to introduce some semblance of democracy in their homeland and that their release from prison is arranged at an early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43479/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is deeply concerned by the continued detainment and politically motivated verdicts against Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and others in Myanmar.
Recent trials have been held behind closed doors. 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. 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.
Ireland has made five national statements on Myanmar since the coup and has consistently called for the immediate release of all those arbitrarily detained by the military since the February 2021 coup. We continue to raise this issue at sessions of the Human Rights Council and in our capacity as members of the UN Security Council.
Ireland has joined statements by the European Union and the United Nations Security Council expressing deep concern at the sentencing of Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and others. Ireland condemns these verdicts and believes they represent another step towards the dismantling of the rule of law and a violation of human rights in Myanmar.
Myanmar remains on the agenda of the Council and has been considered nine times since the coup. Most recently, the Security Council issued a statement on 27 July condemning the execution of four pro-democracy activists in Myanmar. This statement called for the immediate release of all arbitrarily detained prisoners, including President Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.
Ireland continues to support avenues for a political solution to the crisis in Myanmar and urges immediate implementation of the five-point consensus. We support ongoing work by UN Special Envoy Heyzer and ASEAN's Special Envoy to Myanmar, and encourage their close collaboration. Following UN Special Envoy's recent first visit to Myanmar, we hope that subsequent visits will offer both Envoys the opportunity to meet with Aung San Suu Kyi.
Ireland emphasises the importance of a united response to this crisis. In particular, we need to recognise the importance of engaging ASEAN and other partners in the region to ensure an effective, appropriate, and sustainable outcome to the crisis. Through the UN and our Embassy network, we are encouraging all those who have influence on the military leadership to use it to find a political resolution to this devastating crisis and protect the human rights of the people of Myanmar.
