Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 January 2023
95. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has sought a meeting with the Iranian ambassador in regard to executions committed by the Iranian regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4439/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 95, 104, 113, 125 and 137 together.
The death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died in police custody in Iran on 16 September, 2022 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 violence perpetrated by the Iranian security forces against peaceful protestors has been disproportionate and unjustified. The execution of protestors by the Iranian authorities is deeply concerning, and I urge Iran to declare an immediate moratorium on the death penalty.
I commend the courage of the Iranian women and men who continue to exercise their fundamental rights to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. I extend my condolences to the loved ones of all those who have died in the protests since September of last year. The protestors’ slogan of "Women, Life, Freedom" has resonated with many in Ireland as well.
Ireland has been clear in condemning Iran’s oppression of peaceful protests. Ireland expects Iran to uphold its international obligations, particularly the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. These instruments enshrine the rights of freedom of assembly, freedom of speech, and the fundamental and unalienable rights of women and girls. We have also strongly condemned Iran’s supply of weapons and miliary equipment to Russia, which have been repeatedly used to target civilians and critical infrastructure in Ukraine.
Ireland raises human rights concerns with Iran at every suitable opportunity. In 2022, Ireland again co-sponsored the annual resolution at the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, which addresses a broad range of human rights violations in Iran. Ireland also co-sponsored the convening of a special session of the Human Rights Council on 24 November 2022 which voted to create a fact-finding mission to investigate and report on the human rights situation in Iran.
Since the protests began in September 2022, we have repeatedly raised our concerns directly with the Iranian government, including with the Foreign Minister of Iran in September and October, and summoning of the Iranian Ambassador in Dublin on 20 October, 9 January and 16 January to meet with senior officials. I also spoke with the Ambassador on 20 January. Our Chargé d'Affaires in Tehran regularly raises our concerns directly with Iranian officials,as does our Ambassador to Iran (based in Ankara) during her visits to Tehran.
My Department will continue to monitor developments in Iran, and to raise our concerns consistently and directly with the Iranian government. We will maintain close coordination with our partners in the EU to ensure there is a joint, coordinated, and clear response to the actions of the Iranian authorities.
