Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 September 2022
175. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the aid that will be provided for internally displaced civilians in Armenia, given the invasion by Azerbaijan of Armenia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47792/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was deeply concerned by the reports of renewed fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan earlier this month.
While Ireland has not provided direct aid to internally-displaced civilians in Armenia, in 2022 Ireland did provide an unearmarked (fully flexible) contribution of €10.5 million to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for use in global programmes. The UNHCR has been on the ground in Armenia for 30 years, and is focused on addressing humanitarian needs and promoting the integration of displaced populations.
On 13 and 15 September, Ireland used its seat on the United Nations Security Council to call for the immediate cessation of hostilities and the implementation of a ceasefire. Ireland supports a negotiated, comprehensive and sustainable settlement of the conflict, particularly on the long-term status of Nagorno-Karabakh. Along with the EU, we maintain our full support to the international format of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group to pursue this objective.
