Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2024
111. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he could ensure that issues around human rights in Western Sahara and the ongoing illegal occupation of Western Sahara by Morocco will be included in EU Priorities in UN Human Rights Fora for 2024. [2759/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraRespect for human rights is an integral part of Ireland’s foreign policy and we consistently seek to discuss human rights issues through the most appropriate and effective channels, including at a bilateral and European Union level, and through the United Nations Universal Periodic Review mechanism. Officials from my Department also regularly meet with the Moroccan Ambassador to discuss a wide range of issues, with human rights a core element of those discussions.
The EU Council Conclusions on EU Priorities in UN Human Rights fora are agreed each year following lengthy negotiations between EU Member States in Brussels. Given the breadth of human rights concerns globally, it is not possible to include every single issue of concern within this list. As a result, the document for 2024 will be focused on the main issues on the agenda for the 55th session of the Human Rights Council and other UN fora.
Nationally, Ireland will continue to raise this critical issue in our bilateral relations with Morocco. During Morocco’s latest Universal Periodic Review in 2022, Ireland noted our concern that human rights defenders and journalists continue to be targeted for their work and face intimidation, harassment, death threats, criminalisation and physical and sexual assault, including in and in relation to Western Sahara. Ireland recommended that Morocco take all necessary measures to ensure respect for the human rights of all people in Western Sahara.
