Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 November 2022
451. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps that he has taken and intends to take in regard to the brutal oppression being inflicted by the Iranian regime on protestors in Iran, given Ireland's seat on the UN Security Council, and with his foreign affairs counterparts in the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54964/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra452. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on the steps that he has taken with the Iranian ambassador in regard to the brutal violence being perpetrated on Iranian protestors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54965/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 451 and 452 together.
The death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died in police custody in Iran on 16 September, was a tragedy. The fact that she was arrested simply due to the way she was dressed understandably provoked a strong response from the Iranian people and the international community. The subsequent response by the Iranian authorities to largely peaceful protestors in Iran has been extremely concerning.
I raised my concerns on the matter directly with the Iranian Foreign Minister when I met him at the UN General Assembly in New York on 21 September and I spoke with him on the matter again by phone on 6 October. I called on Iran to conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances of Ms Amini’s detention and death.
On 20 October I summoned the Iranian Ambassador to Ireland and again reiterated my very serious concern about the circumstances surrounding the death of Mahsa Amini and the unjustified response of the Iranian security forces to the women and men who are protesting. I made it clear that Iran must adhere to its obligations under the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. I also raised my concerns for the safety and well-being of the athlete Elnaz Rekabi. In addition, I urged Iran to stop supplying weapons to Russia. Russia’s deliberate and repeated targeting of Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure is a gross violation of international law. Iran’s supply of weapons to Russia directly contributes to these violations.
At the 17 October meeting of the EU’s Foreign Affairs Council, the situation in Iran was discussed in detail. Member States welcomed the adoption of restrictive measures against Iran in light of the serious violations of human rights. As a result of these discussions, the EU sanctioned eleven individuals and four entities, under the Iran (Human Rights) Sanctions Regime, for their role in the death of Mahsa Amini and the violent response to the recent demonstrations in Iran. Iran’s supply of drones to Russia was also discussed, and on 20 October the EU adopted targeted sanctions against Iranian individuals and entities involved in the development of drones and their delivery to Russia, under the Ukraine (Territorial Integrity) Sanctions Regime. Additional restrictive measures may be considered in the coming weeks.
On 19 October the UN Security Council held a meeting on Iran’s Transfer of drones to Russia. Iran’s involvement in Ukraine further jeopardises the prospects of a return to the JCPOA, the Iran nuclear deal, as Iran is prohibited from import or export of weapons delivery systems, such as drones and missiles, under UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which endorses the deal. Ireland serves as Facilitator of Resolution 2231 on the Security Council, and will present a final report in December.
Ireland will continue to take a strong stand on these issues in our bilateral contacts with Iranian officials, and will work closely with our international partners to hold Iran accountable for its actions.
