Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 October 2022
223. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason that the international community has forgotten the former leader of Myanmar who was previously accorded worldwide praise and recognition of their work in what is clearly an undemocratic society; if the international community might come to their aid given their imprisonment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49420/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI remain deeply concerned by the deteriorating security, humanitarian and human rights situation in Myanmar. The brutal campaign by the military has had devastating consequences for the people of Myanmar. I utterly condemn the coup and attempts to consolidate or legitimise the military regime.
Ireland remains concerned by the continued detainment and politically-motivated verdicts against Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and others in Myanmar. These verdicts represent another step towards the dismantling of the rule of law in Myanmar.
Recently, the courts sentenced Aung San Suu Kyi to further years imprisonment with hard labour, on charges of electoral fraud, meaning that she is facing a cumulative sentence of 23 years, with further cases outstanding. These trials have been held behind closed doors and 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.
I also deplore the execution of four pro democracy activists in July. Ireland is unequivocal in its stance against the death penalty and condemns these killings in the strongest terms. My thoughts are with the families of those executed.
In our capacity as member of the United Nations Security Council, through our EU engagement and through national statements and activity, Ireland has repeatedly condemned the coup, called for the immediate release of detainees, and expressed abhorrence at the indefensible killing of unarmed civilians, the use of military weaponry, sexual violence, torture, and the death penalty by the military regime. The Government also strongly supports the EU's adoption of sanctions against the perpetrators of the coup and the economic entities that sustain them.
