Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2022
348. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has made representations to the Algerian embassy and the Algerian government in connection with the disappearance of an Algerian citizen (details supplied). [53346/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra350. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the engagement that he has had with his Algerian, European and UN counterparts in relation to the kidnapping on 6 January 2009 in Algiers of the sibling of an Irish citizen (details supplied) for which the UNHCR established Algeria's responsibility; the circumstances of their abduction; the reason for their detention without trial; the steps that he has taken to secure their safe return; the engagement that he has had with their family in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53366/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra351. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide details of any knowledge that his Department has of the situation surrounding (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53487/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 348, 350 and 351 together.
I recently received correspondence related to this case, as have a number of officials in my Department. I am aware that several members of the Oireachtas have also received details of this case and are concerned by the issues raised.
As you know, the protection and promotion of human rights is a core pillar of Ireland's foreign policy. In particular, the protection of human rights defenders is a key foreign policy priority for Ireland in our bilateral, EU, and UN multilateral engagement, including at the United Nations Security Council.
Ireland is a member of the core group on reprisals and the core group on civil society space at the Human Rights Council. We are committed to preserving a safe and enabling environment for the participation of civil society and human rights defenders. We believe unequivocally in the right of everyone, individually and in association with others, to access, cooperate, and communicate freely with international bodies, in particular the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights. We condemn in the strongest possible terms all acts of intimidation or reprisal against those who seek to engage with the United Nations on human rights.
With regard to this particular case, I have read the details supplied carefully and have asked my officials to work on a considered response to the correspondent. I note the views adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Committee in communication No. 2924/2016, the content of which will be taken into account in future engagement.
