25 April Maureen with Pakistani activists working with Trocaire
Short YouTube video of GRDO/Trocaire work
Meeting of members of Joint Foreign Affairs Committee at the Dáil with activists from Pakistan.
Ms Kolhi Veero who escaped from bonded labour, winner of 2009 Frederick Douglass award and an Independent candidate in forthcoming elections (provincial) in Pakistan.
Mr. Malookani Ghulam Hyder, a founder and director of Green Rural Development Origanization (GRDO) working with Trocaire to free bonded labourers on cotton farms and in factories.
24 April Joint Foreign Affairs & Trade Committee
Click for part of exchange on GOAL and Syria
Work of the GOAL organisation , Mr Barry Andrews, Chief Executive Officer,
Presentation on recent Syrian visit and current situation.
Maureen queried if humantarian aid is getting to where and to those that need it.
17 April Joint Foreign Affairs Committee
Click for Maureen's response
AGENDA:
(i) The position of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex (LGBTI) people in Uganda [Ms Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera, Executive Director, Freedom to Roam Uganda];
(ii) Motion on the case of Mr. Sergei Magnitsky (resumed); and
(iii) From 5 p.m. - Forthcoming meetings of the EU Foreign Affairs Council [An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade]
(i) The position of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex (LGBTI) people in Uganda [Ms Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera, Executive Director, Freedom to Roam Uganda];
(ii) Motion on the case of Mr. Sergei Magnitsky (resumed); and
(iii) From 5 p.m. - Forthcoming meetings of the EU Foreign Affairs Council [An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade]
24- 25 March EU Presidency Conference, Dublin Castle
Click for Maureen's Conference Question
Interparliamentary Conference on Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Defence and Security Policy (CSDP)
Maureen asked questions on Tax Justice and Tax Havens in EU & in Africa
Maureen asked questions on Tax Justice and Tax Havens in EU & in Africa
22 May Foreign Conflicts (Sudan and South Sudan)
Maureen asked the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Joe Costello): In view of the serious and humanitarian needs of the affected population in South Kordofan in general and the Nuba Mountains in particular if he will ensure that the E.U. will call on the Governments of Sudan and South Sudan to comply with their binding obligations under International Humanitarian Law to allow safe and unhindered access for international humanitarian actors to all civilians and to provide prompt humanitarian assistance to all those in need. (Q.127)
Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Joe Costello): I propose to take Questions Nos. 105, 117, 127, 134, 158, 160, 164 to 167, inclusive, 181, 185 and 201 together.
The Government continues to monitor and respond to the humanitarian needs generated by a number of conflicts and protracted crises in Africa, notably those in Sudan, South Sudan, the Horn of Africa, Somalia and the Sahel. Almost one year on from the peak of the Horn of Africa crisis, the overall humanitarian situation across much of this region has now improved thanks in large part to the massive aid operation which donors such as Ireland helped to support. However, the situation remains critical for many millions of people, especially in Somalia, where access for aid agencies remains highly restricted in many areas. Emergency funding allocated by Irish Aid towards the overall relief effort in the Horn of Africa currently stands at almost €17 million, making Ireland, in per capita terms, one of the most significant humanitarian donors to the region.
We are, however, particularly concerned about the increasingly difficult humanitarian situation in Sudan, notably in the border states of South Kordofan and Blue Nile, where 350,000 civilians have been severely affected by the fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement-North. In addition to those affected within these two states, some 140,000 refugees have already fled to Ethiopia and South Sudan, while 100,000 more have been displaced as a result of fighting around the disputed border area of Abyei. One of the key issues of concern relates to access for aid agencies to the areas affected by the conflict. Ireland, together with its EU partners, is actively supporting efforts to ensure that both Sudan and South Sudan comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and to ensure humanitarian agencies gain full access to those in need. The Government has raised the issue of access at EU level and in other international fora.
In January last, and with Ireland’s encouragement, the EU urged the Government of Sudan to allow safe and unhindered access for international humanitarian workers to all civilians and reiterated its readiness to provide humanitarian assistance. The EU also emphasised that the ongoing conflicts in southern Kordofan, Blue Nile and Darfur remain obstacles to moving forward with the full range of support it would like to provide to Sudan. Last month, the European Union called on the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North, SPLM-North, to engage in an inclusive political process to resolve the conflict.
Through Irish Aid in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Government already has allocated €2 million this year for the UN-managed common humanitarian funds for both the Republic of Sudan and South Sudan and is currently considering a further additional contribution. These funds are being used to help UN agencies and NGOs target the most critical humanitarian needs across both countries, including in areas beset by conflict and affected by displacement from Blue Nile and South Kordofan. A further €1.22 million has been made available to Irish NGOs, namely, Trócaire, GOAL and World Vision, for programmes in Sudan and South Sudan under the annual humanitarian programme planning funding scheme. Our assistance is saving lives daily.
I assure the many Members who have taken an interest in this matter that the Government will continue to monitor closely the situation in South Kordofan, the Blue Nile and other areas facing critical need across the Horn of Africa and Sahel regions. In conjunction with its EU partners, the Government will continue to press for unrestricted humanitarian access to affected civilians.
Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Joe Costello): I propose to take Questions Nos. 105, 117, 127, 134, 158, 160, 164 to 167, inclusive, 181, 185 and 201 together.
The Government continues to monitor and respond to the humanitarian needs generated by a number of conflicts and protracted crises in Africa, notably those in Sudan, South Sudan, the Horn of Africa, Somalia and the Sahel. Almost one year on from the peak of the Horn of Africa crisis, the overall humanitarian situation across much of this region has now improved thanks in large part to the massive aid operation which donors such as Ireland helped to support. However, the situation remains critical for many millions of people, especially in Somalia, where access for aid agencies remains highly restricted in many areas. Emergency funding allocated by Irish Aid towards the overall relief effort in the Horn of Africa currently stands at almost €17 million, making Ireland, in per capita terms, one of the most significant humanitarian donors to the region.
We are, however, particularly concerned about the increasingly difficult humanitarian situation in Sudan, notably in the border states of South Kordofan and Blue Nile, where 350,000 civilians have been severely affected by the fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement-North. In addition to those affected within these two states, some 140,000 refugees have already fled to Ethiopia and South Sudan, while 100,000 more have been displaced as a result of fighting around the disputed border area of Abyei. One of the key issues of concern relates to access for aid agencies to the areas affected by the conflict. Ireland, together with its EU partners, is actively supporting efforts to ensure that both Sudan and South Sudan comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and to ensure humanitarian agencies gain full access to those in need. The Government has raised the issue of access at EU level and in other international fora.
In January last, and with Ireland’s encouragement, the EU urged the Government of Sudan to allow safe and unhindered access for international humanitarian workers to all civilians and reiterated its readiness to provide humanitarian assistance. The EU also emphasised that the ongoing conflicts in southern Kordofan, Blue Nile and Darfur remain obstacles to moving forward with the full range of support it would like to provide to Sudan. Last month, the European Union called on the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North, SPLM-North, to engage in an inclusive political process to resolve the conflict.
Through Irish Aid in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Government already has allocated €2 million this year for the UN-managed common humanitarian funds for both the Republic of Sudan and South Sudan and is currently considering a further additional contribution. These funds are being used to help UN agencies and NGOs target the most critical humanitarian needs across both countries, including in areas beset by conflict and affected by displacement from Blue Nile and South Kordofan. A further €1.22 million has been made available to Irish NGOs, namely, Trócaire, GOAL and World Vision, for programmes in Sudan and South Sudan under the annual humanitarian programme planning funding scheme. Our assistance is saving lives daily.
I assure the many Members who have taken an interest in this matter that the Government will continue to monitor closely the situation in South Kordofan, the Blue Nile and other areas facing critical need across the Horn of Africa and Sahel regions. In conjunction with its EU partners, the Government will continue to press for unrestricted humanitarian access to affected civilians.
22 May Irish software in Syria is not designed to suppress democracy
Click to see Dáil record
Maureen asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if his attention has been drawn to the situation surrounding two companies based (details supplied) here accused of supplying blocking and filtering technology to Syriatel Mobile Telecom SA in Syria and to MTN Syria; if recent European Union trade restrictions on Syria prohibits the sale of technology that can be used for internal repression; and if he will make a statement on the matter
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton) replied: My Department is responsible for issuing licenses, for exports outside the EU, of controlled goods and technology listed in the EU Dual Use Regulations. No licenses have been issued in the past four years in respect of dual use controlled technology intended for export to Syria.
From contacts by my Department with the exporters concerned, I understand the exported software is designed to protect mobile users from spam, viruses etc., and is not intended to prevent citizens exercising their fundamental democratic rights of free speech and assembly. My understanding is that the software was provided to telecom providers and not to any Government organisation or agency. I have received information from the companies concerned regarding the exports at issue, and an assessment of this information is taking place in my Department.
More generally, I would like to point out that prior to issuing any export licence for goods intended for a country where there is civil or military strife, I consult with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. This is an essential part of considering any application for an export licence and it involves a detailed consideration of any human rights implications connected with a possible export.
At EU level, in addition to measures agreed late last year and in early 2012, notably a ban on oil imports from Syria, the EU Foreign Affairs Council decided on the 27th February 2012 a further tightening of the sanctions regime against the Syrian authorities; these new measures included a partial freeze of the Syrian Central Bank assets in the EU, a ban on trade in gold, other precious metal and diamonds as well as further listing of individuals and entities supportive of the Assad regime. Restrictions on exports to Syria now cover the provision of equipment, technology or software which may be used for the monitoring or interception of internet or telephone communications. My Department works in close co-operation with the Revenue and Customs Service to ensure the effective application of the EU’s sanctions regime and especially restrictions in place against Syria.
Measures were further extended at the March, April and May Foreign Affairs Council meetings with the most prominent decisions relating to a ban on the sale of luxury goods, a ban on dual-use technologies and goods as well as additional listings of individuals and entities connected with the Assad regime.
http://www.thejournal.ie/bruton-irish-software-in-syria-is-not-designed-to-suppress-democracy-458403-May2012/
Bruton: Irish software in Syria is not designed to suppress democracy
A GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATION has found that Irish companies did not supply the Syrian government with technology which has since been used to block and filter text messages sent in that country.
Enterprise minister Richard Bruton has said that an investigation undertaken by his Department has found that the products, supplied by Irish copmanies AdaptiveMobile and Cellusys, is actually intended for use to filter spam multimedia messages.
“I understand the exported software is designed to protect mobile users from spam, viruses etc., and is not intended to prevent citizens exercising their fundamental democratic rights of free speech and assembly,” Bruton said in a written statement to the Dáil.
“My understanding is that the software was provided to telecom providers and not to any Government organisation or agency,” he added.
Bruton said he had received information directly from the companies connected with the products, and that this was being analysed by this Department.
The minister added, in response to questions from Dublin Central independent TD Maureen O’Sullivan, that he consulted with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Eamon Gilmore, before issuing any export licence for products intended for any country “where there is civil or military strife”.
The two ministers would always consider the potential human rights implications relating to the exports of any goods before they allowed them to leave Ireland, he added.
Bruton launched the investigation after it was first reported in February that products made by AdaptiveMobile were being used by mobile network MTN Syria to filter communications which could be used to organise protests against the regime of Bashar al-Assad.
Restrictions agreed upon late last year, and augmented by EU leaders in February, mean EU firms are now forbidden from exporting any technology or software to Syria.
“My Department works in close co-operation with the Revenue and Customs Service to ensure the effective application of the EU’s sanctions regime,” Bruton said.
In a statement to this website in February, AdaptiveMobile said it had never had any relationship with the Syrian government, and that its three-year support agreement with MTN for its anti-virus products had expired in 2011.
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Deputy Richard Bruton) replied: My Department is responsible for issuing licenses, for exports outside the EU, of controlled goods and technology listed in the EU Dual Use Regulations. No licenses have been issued in the past four years in respect of dual use controlled technology intended for export to Syria.
From contacts by my Department with the exporters concerned, I understand the exported software is designed to protect mobile users from spam, viruses etc., and is not intended to prevent citizens exercising their fundamental democratic rights of free speech and assembly. My understanding is that the software was provided to telecom providers and not to any Government organisation or agency. I have received information from the companies concerned regarding the exports at issue, and an assessment of this information is taking place in my Department.
More generally, I would like to point out that prior to issuing any export licence for goods intended for a country where there is civil or military strife, I consult with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. This is an essential part of considering any application for an export licence and it involves a detailed consideration of any human rights implications connected with a possible export.
At EU level, in addition to measures agreed late last year and in early 2012, notably a ban on oil imports from Syria, the EU Foreign Affairs Council decided on the 27th February 2012 a further tightening of the sanctions regime against the Syrian authorities; these new measures included a partial freeze of the Syrian Central Bank assets in the EU, a ban on trade in gold, other precious metal and diamonds as well as further listing of individuals and entities supportive of the Assad regime. Restrictions on exports to Syria now cover the provision of equipment, technology or software which may be used for the monitoring or interception of internet or telephone communications. My Department works in close co-operation with the Revenue and Customs Service to ensure the effective application of the EU’s sanctions regime and especially restrictions in place against Syria.
Measures were further extended at the March, April and May Foreign Affairs Council meetings with the most prominent decisions relating to a ban on the sale of luxury goods, a ban on dual-use technologies and goods as well as additional listings of individuals and entities connected with the Assad regime.
http://www.thejournal.ie/bruton-irish-software-in-syria-is-not-designed-to-suppress-democracy-458403-May2012/
Bruton: Irish software in Syria is not designed to suppress democracy
A GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATION has found that Irish companies did not supply the Syrian government with technology which has since been used to block and filter text messages sent in that country.
Enterprise minister Richard Bruton has said that an investigation undertaken by his Department has found that the products, supplied by Irish copmanies AdaptiveMobile and Cellusys, is actually intended for use to filter spam multimedia messages.
“I understand the exported software is designed to protect mobile users from spam, viruses etc., and is not intended to prevent citizens exercising their fundamental democratic rights of free speech and assembly,” Bruton said in a written statement to the Dáil.
“My understanding is that the software was provided to telecom providers and not to any Government organisation or agency,” he added.
Bruton said he had received information directly from the companies connected with the products, and that this was being analysed by this Department.
The minister added, in response to questions from Dublin Central independent TD Maureen O’Sullivan, that he consulted with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Eamon Gilmore, before issuing any export licence for products intended for any country “where there is civil or military strife”.
The two ministers would always consider the potential human rights implications relating to the exports of any goods before they allowed them to leave Ireland, he added.
Bruton launched the investigation after it was first reported in February that products made by AdaptiveMobile were being used by mobile network MTN Syria to filter communications which could be used to organise protests against the regime of Bashar al-Assad.
Restrictions agreed upon late last year, and augmented by EU leaders in February, mean EU firms are now forbidden from exporting any technology or software to Syria.
“My Department works in close co-operation with the Revenue and Customs Service to ensure the effective application of the EU’s sanctions regime,” Bruton said.
In a statement to this website in February, AdaptiveMobile said it had never had any relationship with the Syrian government, and that its three-year support agreement with MTN for its anti-virus products had expired in 2011.
24 April Equality Between women and men: a condition for the success of the Arab Spring
PACE Press Release on Women's Rights
2012 ORDINARY SESSION Thirteenth Sitting, Tuesday 24 April 2012 at 4 p.m.
3. Equality Between women and men: a condition for the success of the Arab Spring
THE PRESIDENT (Translation) – Thank you very much, Ms Schuster. Ms O’Sullivan, you have the floor to speak on behalf of the Group of the Unified European Left.
Ms O’SULLIVAN (Ireland) – I acknowledge the work of the committee in producing this report. It covers a comprehensive range of aspects and is progressive in its recommendations on the way forward. I also acknowledge the strong stance of the minister on the positive initiatives being taken.
Equality between men and women is a basic human right. No one should be discriminated against on the basis of gender, discrimination or religious belief. Since the beginning of the 20th century, tremendous progress has been made in many countries on the rights of women in terms of voting rights, education and employment, and in the political arena. The challenge for all the countries involved in the Arab Spring is now to actively promote those rights, based on the principle of equality between men and women.
Another report will be taken later in the Council of Europe about the promotion of active citizenship. One of the points made in the report concerns participation as a feature of active citizenship, and I believe that adopting that principle will also contribute towards equality between men and women. So, how can all the countries involved in the Arab Spring embrace the human right of equality between men and women? The first step is for this principle to be enshrined in their constitutions and the next step is not for it to remain only on the pages of those constitutions, but for it to be put into practice.
I want to acknowledge the role of women in the Arab Spring, in the countries of Morocco, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt, and further in Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Bahrain. I particularly want to mention the role of women at the protests last weekend in Bahrain on behalf of the jailed activist Abdulhadi al-Kawaja. Their call is for more equality, the right and opportunity to participate in political life in their respective countries and democratic change. It is vital that the Council of Europe takes a leading, proactive role in supporting women’s movements, because it is obvious that women are being sidelined in some of these countries and their previous, considerable role is also being ignored. In some countries, it is almost as if they are being written out of the history of the Arab Spring.
Women are also being written out of a meaningful role in politics; we know about the lower rate of representation of women in some countries, and there is absolutely no parliamentary democracy in other countries. One suggestion is for the countries of the Arab Spring to create a Minister for equality or for women’s affairs, as has happened in Morocco. I support the specific recommendations in the report because if they were implemented, I believe that we would see a change.
Dialogue with the Islamist political forces that won elections is of paramount importance. The issue of the separation of church and state cannot be allowed to take precedence over the principle of equality between men and women. Regardless of the role of whatever church in the state, no church or religion can be allowed to deny women equal rights.
On violence against women, there was a particular case about the rape of a minor. The issue depends on that minor’s being prepared to press charges, and I do not think that that is being actively supported.
The media have a vital role in the countries that we are discussing; a free press can contribute. My final point is that women in rural areas should be particularly supported.
3. Equality Between women and men: a condition for the success of the Arab Spring
THE PRESIDENT (Translation) – Thank you very much, Ms Schuster. Ms O’Sullivan, you have the floor to speak on behalf of the Group of the Unified European Left.
Ms O’SULLIVAN (Ireland) – I acknowledge the work of the committee in producing this report. It covers a comprehensive range of aspects and is progressive in its recommendations on the way forward. I also acknowledge the strong stance of the minister on the positive initiatives being taken.
Equality between men and women is a basic human right. No one should be discriminated against on the basis of gender, discrimination or religious belief. Since the beginning of the 20th century, tremendous progress has been made in many countries on the rights of women in terms of voting rights, education and employment, and in the political arena. The challenge for all the countries involved in the Arab Spring is now to actively promote those rights, based on the principle of equality between men and women.
Another report will be taken later in the Council of Europe about the promotion of active citizenship. One of the points made in the report concerns participation as a feature of active citizenship, and I believe that adopting that principle will also contribute towards equality between men and women. So, how can all the countries involved in the Arab Spring embrace the human right of equality between men and women? The first step is for this principle to be enshrined in their constitutions and the next step is not for it to remain only on the pages of those constitutions, but for it to be put into practice.
I want to acknowledge the role of women in the Arab Spring, in the countries of Morocco, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt, and further in Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Bahrain. I particularly want to mention the role of women at the protests last weekend in Bahrain on behalf of the jailed activist Abdulhadi al-Kawaja. Their call is for more equality, the right and opportunity to participate in political life in their respective countries and democratic change. It is vital that the Council of Europe takes a leading, proactive role in supporting women’s movements, because it is obvious that women are being sidelined in some of these countries and their previous, considerable role is also being ignored. In some countries, it is almost as if they are being written out of the history of the Arab Spring.
Women are also being written out of a meaningful role in politics; we know about the lower rate of representation of women in some countries, and there is absolutely no parliamentary democracy in other countries. One suggestion is for the countries of the Arab Spring to create a Minister for equality or for women’s affairs, as has happened in Morocco. I support the specific recommendations in the report because if they were implemented, I believe that we would see a change.
Dialogue with the Islamist political forces that won elections is of paramount importance. The issue of the separation of church and state cannot be allowed to take precedence over the principle of equality between men and women. Regardless of the role of whatever church in the state, no church or religion can be allowed to deny women equal rights.
On violence against women, there was a particular case about the rape of a minor. The issue depends on that minor’s being prepared to press charges, and I do not think that that is being actively supported.
The media have a vital role in the countries that we are discussing; a free press can contribute. My final point is that women in rural areas should be particularly supported.
24th January Bosnia and Herzegovina: PACE calls on the authorities & key political stakeholders to stop obstructionism
Click for PACE Press release
Winter session: 23-27 January 2012 ORDINARY SESSION Third sitting Tuesday 24 January 2012 at 10 a.m.
6. The functioning of democratic institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina
THE PRESIDENT – The next item of business this morning is the debate on the report entitled “The functioning of democratic institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina” to be presented by our dear colleagues Mr Jean-Claude Mignon and Ms Karin Woldseth on behalf of the Monitoring Committee (Document 12816).
THE PRESIDENT – Thank you, Mr Leyden. Mr Pupovac is not here, so I now call Ms O’Sullivan.
Ms O’SULLIVAN (Ireland) – Thank you for the report. It is important to acknowledge the change that has occurred since the report of the Monitoring Committee was produced. It was disturbing that it took so long after the general elections of October 2010 for a government to be formed. The people of Bosnia and Herzegovina had spoken in the elections, and those elected have responsibilities to the electorate and should form a government to put the interests of the country before their own political ends or personal vested interests.
The positive side is that on 28 December 2011 the leaders of the six political parties agreed on the formation of a state government with Mr Bevanda who has stated his support for EU integration and has hopes of EU candidate status for Bosnia and Herzegovina. I hope that the new government will play a full and active role in the Council of Europe, with representatives from the country taking up the various positions as suggested in the report.
With April 2012 marking the 10th anniversary of the country’s accession to the Council of Europe, perhaps Mr Bevanda and members of his government will have an opportunity to be here to address the Assembly and to answer questions. He has many challenges facing him. There is the bitter futile bargaining about ethnic distribution of posts going on instead of concentrating on the most suitable person for a post. There is the right of all citizens to stand for election and the authorities should implement the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights. There is the right of citizens to vote for their candidate of choice and not to be precluded from doing so. When nominations are made with majority backing, we need to tackle the problem of them not being allowed to proceed. Overall, there are the complex and unwieldy decision-making processes and the further complication of vital national interest veto, with the majority of political parties being essentially ethnic parties. Those are challenges for Bosnia and Herzegovina. There is also the continuing fight against organised crime, drugs, trafficking and money laundering.
Recently, as my parliamentary colleague mentioned, we had a joint meeting of the European Affairs and Foreign Affairs Committees in Dublin, which was addressed by Lord Ashdown. He referred to Bosnia and Herzegovina as an “abscess” which has to be contained. This process should begin by respecting the integrity of the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He called on the EU to be more energetic and to stop undermining the dynamic of unity through attempts at decentralisation and the work of separatists.
There are particular issues relating to the Republika Srpska. The EU committee of our parliament expressed its strong support for progress towards EU membership for the countries of the western Balkans. Central to that is respect for human rights, including the protection of minorities.
The report’s conclusion mentions that the current crisis might have serious consequences for Bosnia and Herzegovina and its membership of international organisations like the Council of Europe. I think, however, that the consequences for the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina are more serious, and they have suffered enough. The onus is on those elected by the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina to play their part in ensuring that democracy will function, but there is also an onus and responsibility on the Council of Europe and particularly on the EU to support that and not to abandon the people. As Lord Ashdown mentioned in an article a few days ago, Bosnia and Herzegovina cannot become “a black hole of dysfunctionality”. The people deserve far better.
THE PRESIDENT (Translation) – Thank you, Ms O’Sullivan.
6. The functioning of democratic institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina
THE PRESIDENT – The next item of business this morning is the debate on the report entitled “The functioning of democratic institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina” to be presented by our dear colleagues Mr Jean-Claude Mignon and Ms Karin Woldseth on behalf of the Monitoring Committee (Document 12816).
THE PRESIDENT – Thank you, Mr Leyden. Mr Pupovac is not here, so I now call Ms O’Sullivan.
Ms O’SULLIVAN (Ireland) – Thank you for the report. It is important to acknowledge the change that has occurred since the report of the Monitoring Committee was produced. It was disturbing that it took so long after the general elections of October 2010 for a government to be formed. The people of Bosnia and Herzegovina had spoken in the elections, and those elected have responsibilities to the electorate and should form a government to put the interests of the country before their own political ends or personal vested interests.
The positive side is that on 28 December 2011 the leaders of the six political parties agreed on the formation of a state government with Mr Bevanda who has stated his support for EU integration and has hopes of EU candidate status for Bosnia and Herzegovina. I hope that the new government will play a full and active role in the Council of Europe, with representatives from the country taking up the various positions as suggested in the report.
With April 2012 marking the 10th anniversary of the country’s accession to the Council of Europe, perhaps Mr Bevanda and members of his government will have an opportunity to be here to address the Assembly and to answer questions. He has many challenges facing him. There is the bitter futile bargaining about ethnic distribution of posts going on instead of concentrating on the most suitable person for a post. There is the right of all citizens to stand for election and the authorities should implement the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights. There is the right of citizens to vote for their candidate of choice and not to be precluded from doing so. When nominations are made with majority backing, we need to tackle the problem of them not being allowed to proceed. Overall, there are the complex and unwieldy decision-making processes and the further complication of vital national interest veto, with the majority of political parties being essentially ethnic parties. Those are challenges for Bosnia and Herzegovina. There is also the continuing fight against organised crime, drugs, trafficking and money laundering.
Recently, as my parliamentary colleague mentioned, we had a joint meeting of the European Affairs and Foreign Affairs Committees in Dublin, which was addressed by Lord Ashdown. He referred to Bosnia and Herzegovina as an “abscess” which has to be contained. This process should begin by respecting the integrity of the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He called on the EU to be more energetic and to stop undermining the dynamic of unity through attempts at decentralisation and the work of separatists.
There are particular issues relating to the Republika Srpska. The EU committee of our parliament expressed its strong support for progress towards EU membership for the countries of the western Balkans. Central to that is respect for human rights, including the protection of minorities.
The report’s conclusion mentions that the current crisis might have serious consequences for Bosnia and Herzegovina and its membership of international organisations like the Council of Europe. I think, however, that the consequences for the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina are more serious, and they have suffered enough. The onus is on those elected by the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina to play their part in ensuring that democracy will function, but there is also an onus and responsibility on the Council of Europe and particularly on the EU to support that and not to abandon the people. As Lord Ashdown mentioned in an article a few days ago, Bosnia and Herzegovina cannot become “a black hole of dysfunctionality”. The people deserve far better.
THE PRESIDENT (Translation) – Thank you, Ms O’Sullivan.
24 January Debate on “The right of everyone to take part in cultural life”
Click for PACE Resolution
ORDINARY SESSION Fourth sitting Tuesday 24 January 2012 at 3.30.m.
2. The right of everyone to take part in cultural life
THE PRESIDENT (Translation) – The next item of business is the debate on the excellent report entitled “The right of everyone to take part in cultural life” (Document 12815) to be presented by Ms Muriel Marland-Militello on behalf of the Committee on Culture, Science, Education and Media. We have the great pleasure of hearing a statement from Ms Irina Bokova, Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
THE PRESIDENT (Translation) –Thank you Mr Hancock. I call Ms O’Sullivan to speak on behalf of the Group of the Unified European Left.
Ms O’SULLIVAN (Ireland) – Thank you Mr President. The idea that it is a human right to freely participate in culture has had very little discussion really, so I welcome the report. It is an interesting report but also a challenging one for the members of the Council of Europe. Respect for and tolerance of culture is basic to democracy. It would contribute to, as the report says, “harmonious living together and peace between peoples.”
The other challenge is for the members of the Council of Europe to take the guidelines and use them to inform national policies and translate them into action. National governments need to provide space to allow groups to organise, develop and participate in cultural expression. Cultural expression and participation will foster respect, inclusion, democratic participation, principles aligned with democracy, as well as protection of alternative forms of identity, minority identities and historic forms of identity. What is important is to promote the culture which is all-inclusive and will embrace all forms of identity contained within a country, including the identity of its diaspora.
Governments also need to promote equal access to cultural participation for all their citizens, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, social economic status and health status. No one culture has the right to dominate another in terms of leading the other cultural expression to obscurity, extinction or even secrecy. Culture is also about identity – our culture expresses who we are but it also has to be cognisant of the identities and cultures of others.
The debate this morning on Bosnia and Herzegovina – a country with a variety of cultures – is a good example of where it is vital that there is respect for diversity and the ability to live with diversity, but there can be a thin line between cultural identity and cultural supremacy. It is sad that culture and identity have been instruments of division and have contributed to feelings and expressions of supremacy and acts of aggression. My own country – Ireland – has also seen culture being used to create and sustain barriers between people. That is not what cultural identity is about.
Many countries in Europe, including my own, are facing budgets of austerity and cutbacks, and culture, cultural events and the arts are often among those areas to experience significant cuts. However, those areas can do so much to promote feelings of self-worth and self-esteem and be a force of positivity in difficult times.
There is also a particular inequality in the participation of culture. I refer to those who are physically, intellectually and mentally challenged, the impoverished elderly, low-income families, minority groups and also women in certain countries. For those who are physically and mentally challenged, there can be barriers to attending cultural events, visiting places of interest, historic sites and buildings. Plans for new buildings must take that into account. The UN Enable project as it stands has done major work in this area, recognising the rights of persons with disabilities to take part on an equal basis with others. Apart from the access aspect, Article 30 states the rights of persons with disabilities, “to utilise their creative, artistic and intellectual potential.” There are challenges here for us, but I welcome the parts of the report that deal with young people and foster their talent.
Finally, there are so many areas of conflict, aggression and discrimination, and I believe that culture and cultural activities can and should be a bridge to dialogue and mutual respect.
THE PRESIDENT (Translation) – Thank you. I call Ms Kovács on behalf of the Group of the European People’s Party.
Wed 28 September 2011 Irish Aid: Discussion with Minister of State
Click to hear Maureen's questions
Maureen O'Sullivan There is no doubting the Minister of State’s commitment to maintaining the overseas aid budget. It is good that it is in the programme for Government, but I hope it also makes its way into the next budget and that we do not see a cut when it comes down to it.
I share Deputy Mac Lochlainn’s concerns about Malawi. A group of us involved in AWEPA were spoken to by two human rights people, and it was alarming to learn that in Malawi restrictive legislation is being brought in to limit human rights, freedom of speech and criticism of the government. We know how important civil society is in these countries. From AWEPA we wrote to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Gilmore, about this.
Again on the issue of human rights, I believe from what I am hearing that an Irish presence at the trials of people involved in human rights issues in certain African countries seemed to be beneficial. I am thinking particularly about Zimbabwe. I understand our ambassador to South Africa has not yet presented his credentials in Zimbabwe; it is important that this be done in case such trials take place there.
I was also at this morning’s meeting and was struck by one or two things that were said. One was that there was debt relief for 19 countries in Africa. I do not think that is as positive as it appears, because some of those countries are experiencing other difficulties with the terms and conditions and could even now be getting into debt again.
As the Minister of State knows, I have had the opportunity to visit Africa twice, once privately recently and once through my involvement with AWEPA. One thing that struck me was the involvement of the Chinese in Africa. Again, this is not as positive as it is being made out to be in certain places. In some countries the Chinese are bringing their own workers in, and they are throwing the odd road up here and there to appease whoever is looking at how the investment is spent. I know there is a lot of dissatisfaction among African civil society about what the Chinese are doing. At a certain point China was one of the dominant major powers that had not contributed to relieving the famine in the Horn of Africa.
Minister of State Jan O'Sullivan response to issues raised
Jan O'Sullivan The issue of the millennium development goals, MDG, and the Government’s plans in that area were raised by several members. I will deal with that presently.
We are engaging with our EU counterparts on a strategy in advance of the forthcoming forum in Busan. We are also engaging with NGOs and with development Ministers in preparation for it. We are concerned about some particular areas. One is poverty reduction and development results. Another is transparency and accountability, which everyone in Busan will be concerned about. A third is progress in fragile and conflict-affected states. That is an area in which Ireland has a particular interest. We will want to ensure those areas are given significant focus in Busan. We will be working with partner countries and other European countries. We are part of the Like Minded Donors Group, which meets fairly regularly. It includes Britain and the Scandinavian countries. We will also be working with them. We will be engaging with the NGOs. We feel strongly that their voice should be heard in Busan.
Deputies Pádraig Mac Lochlainn and Maureen O’Sullivan raised the issue of human rights and the voice of NGOs, particularly in Malawi. Deputy O’Sullivan also mentioned Zimbabwe. Given that we have a strong presence in our programme countries we engage with their Government in areas such as human rights. We have the opportunity to talk to them directly and bring up these issues. We also support civil society organisations. We try to encourage a joined-up approach with our fellow EU member states in advocating for human rights issues and in issuing joint statements on behalf of the EU. The strong voice of EU countries speaking together is particularly important. We give financial support to civil society organisations in our programme countries and we also meet them on a regular basis. I had the opportunity to raise human rights issues when I visited Malawi. Given that we have such a strong presence in our programme countries, we have considerable influence in those countries in addressing these issues. Human rights issues are important to Ireland and we can have a real influence on them. It is important that we do so.
Deputy O’Sullivan also raised the issue of presenting Ireland’s credentials in Zimbabwe. Our ambassador in Pretoria, Brendan McMahon, is ambassador designate to Zimbabwe. A number of months ago we requested an opportunity to present credentials in Zimbabwe. We are pressing the Government of Zimbabwe to provide an opportunity to present credentials, through our ambassador in South Africa, at the earliest possible moment. We are active in Zimbabwe despite the fact that we have not presented our credentials.
The Chinese issue, which was raised by Deputy O’Sullivan, is often raised in the context of Africa. We must support programme countries in particular, but also African countries in general, so that they get the best possible benefit for their people from whatever country they engage with. We cannot stop countries engaging with the Chinese if they want to. We must ensure that we do the work of strengthening their civil society organisations. We work, for example, at strengthening governance in a variety of areas in Africa. By giving African countries the power to ensure that they get what their people need from their engagement with other countries, we can influence that matter.
I share Deputy Mac Lochlainn’s concerns about Malawi. A group of us involved in AWEPA were spoken to by two human rights people, and it was alarming to learn that in Malawi restrictive legislation is being brought in to limit human rights, freedom of speech and criticism of the government. We know how important civil society is in these countries. From AWEPA we wrote to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Gilmore, about this.
Again on the issue of human rights, I believe from what I am hearing that an Irish presence at the trials of people involved in human rights issues in certain African countries seemed to be beneficial. I am thinking particularly about Zimbabwe. I understand our ambassador to South Africa has not yet presented his credentials in Zimbabwe; it is important that this be done in case such trials take place there.
I was also at this morning’s meeting and was struck by one or two things that were said. One was that there was debt relief for 19 countries in Africa. I do not think that is as positive as it appears, because some of those countries are experiencing other difficulties with the terms and conditions and could even now be getting into debt again.
As the Minister of State knows, I have had the opportunity to visit Africa twice, once privately recently and once through my involvement with AWEPA. One thing that struck me was the involvement of the Chinese in Africa. Again, this is not as positive as it is being made out to be in certain places. In some countries the Chinese are bringing their own workers in, and they are throwing the odd road up here and there to appease whoever is looking at how the investment is spent. I know there is a lot of dissatisfaction among African civil society about what the Chinese are doing. At a certain point China was one of the dominant major powers that had not contributed to relieving the famine in the Horn of Africa.
Minister of State Jan O'Sullivan response to issues raised
Jan O'Sullivan The issue of the millennium development goals, MDG, and the Government’s plans in that area were raised by several members. I will deal with that presently.
We are engaging with our EU counterparts on a strategy in advance of the forthcoming forum in Busan. We are also engaging with NGOs and with development Ministers in preparation for it. We are concerned about some particular areas. One is poverty reduction and development results. Another is transparency and accountability, which everyone in Busan will be concerned about. A third is progress in fragile and conflict-affected states. That is an area in which Ireland has a particular interest. We will want to ensure those areas are given significant focus in Busan. We will be working with partner countries and other European countries. We are part of the Like Minded Donors Group, which meets fairly regularly. It includes Britain and the Scandinavian countries. We will also be working with them. We will be engaging with the NGOs. We feel strongly that their voice should be heard in Busan.
Deputies Pádraig Mac Lochlainn and Maureen O’Sullivan raised the issue of human rights and the voice of NGOs, particularly in Malawi. Deputy O’Sullivan also mentioned Zimbabwe. Given that we have a strong presence in our programme countries we engage with their Government in areas such as human rights. We have the opportunity to talk to them directly and bring up these issues. We also support civil society organisations. We try to encourage a joined-up approach with our fellow EU member states in advocating for human rights issues and in issuing joint statements on behalf of the EU. The strong voice of EU countries speaking together is particularly important. We give financial support to civil society organisations in our programme countries and we also meet them on a regular basis. I had the opportunity to raise human rights issues when I visited Malawi. Given that we have such a strong presence in our programme countries, we have considerable influence in those countries in addressing these issues. Human rights issues are important to Ireland and we can have a real influence on them. It is important that we do so.
Deputy O’Sullivan also raised the issue of presenting Ireland’s credentials in Zimbabwe. Our ambassador in Pretoria, Brendan McMahon, is ambassador designate to Zimbabwe. A number of months ago we requested an opportunity to present credentials in Zimbabwe. We are pressing the Government of Zimbabwe to provide an opportunity to present credentials, through our ambassador in South Africa, at the earliest possible moment. We are active in Zimbabwe despite the fact that we have not presented our credentials.
The Chinese issue, which was raised by Deputy O’Sullivan, is often raised in the context of Africa. We must support programme countries in particular, but also African countries in general, so that they get the best possible benefit for their people from whatever country they engage with. We cannot stop countries engaging with the Chinese if they want to. We must ensure that we do the work of strengthening their civil society organisations. We work, for example, at strengthening governance in a variety of areas in Africa. By giving African countries the power to ensure that they get what their people need from their engagement with other countries, we can influence that matter.
Click to hear Maureen
05th October Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade
When I put the question of tax justice to our Minister of Foreign Affairs & Trade at the F.A.&T. committee on Wednesday evening, I am afraid that question, asking that he support country by country auditing of these companies, was not answered. Christian Aid report over 130 billion dollars are lost in taxes to developing countries by unscrupulous multi-nationals!
When I put the question of tax justice to our Minister of Foreign Affairs & Trade at the F.A.&T. committee on Wednesday evening, I am afraid that question, asking that he support country by country auditing of these companies, was not answered. Christian Aid report over 130 billion dollars are lost in taxes to developing countries by unscrupulous multi-nationals!
Parliamentary Assembly Council of Europe Tuesday 4 October 2011 at 3 p.m.
3. Co-operation between the Council of Europe and the emerging democracies in the Arab world
THE PRESIDENT – We now come to the debate on a report from the Political Affairs Committee on co-operation between the Council of Europe and the emerging democracies in the Arab world, Document 12699 and addendum, presented by Mr Gardetto, rapporteur.
THE PRESIDENT – Thank you. I call Ms O’Sullivan on behalf of the Group of the Unified European Left.
Ms O’SULLIVAN (Ireland) – The terms “Arab Spring” and “emerging democracies” are beautiful words. They are positive and uplifting, but they will not be worth the pages they are written on unless they translate into meaningful action and we see real democracy at work.
It is rather ironic that, at a time when we see glimmers of hope for countries that have been deprived of democracy and human rights for so long, in Europe we see increasing threats to our democracies. On the one hand, the real concern in some countries such as my own is that we are handing our sovereignty to the International Monetary Fund and to the European Central Bank etc., and being dictated to about what is best for our country and our people. On the other hand, there are countries from the Council of Europe where elected members are prevented from taking their seats in their own parliaments, and where there are serious human rights abuses and issues for certain ethnic people, so we in Europe need to consider what we understand by democracy.
Undoubtedly, the popular and mainly peaceful protest movements are welcome and overdue, because people long subject to tyrannical rule have said and are saying, “Enough is enough”. Fear is the enemy of democracy, and those people got to the point of no longer being afraid. Now, they will no longer put up with abusive behaviour by their police, their military or their government; they will no longer put up with economic hardship, especially in countries of economic growth where such growth was and remains in the hands of an elite; and well educated youths will no longer put up with being deprived of opportunities to develop their education, skills and rights.
The people of Eygpt, Tunisia, Yemen, Bahrain and Morocco have initiated steps towards political transformation at great cost to themselves. I am thinking of the group of doctors from Bahrain, many of whom were educated in Dublin, who have paid the price.
We have seen the values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law being upheld, or at least attempts being made to uphold them in the countries associated with the Arab Spring, and it began with the action of Mohammed Bouazizi in Tunisia on 10 December, who had had enough, been humiliated enough and been denied enough, and, when his only means of livelihood had been taken from him by a repressive power, doused himself in petrol and set fire to himself. We see also what he set fire to symbolically, however, and in his memory I hope that it is real democracy, with equal rights for all regardless of sex, creed and ethnicity, and where freedom of expression is respected.
Tunisia’s commitment to gender balance in parliament is to be welcomed, but some electoral lists may preclude this, and there may be a democratic deficit. We cannot assume that democracy will become a reality overnight, but it will be if the dominant countries in Europe, and the United States, Russia, China, etc. are also committed to real democracy and do not use what is happening for their own political or economic advantage.
I, like others, question the legitimacy of what happened in Libya, but that is not to condone the repressive actions of Colonel Gadaffi – the same Colonel Gadaffi who was feted, wined and dined by many countries in order to secure deals on oil. Where were those countries when it came to appalling human rights abuses in countries that do not have oil or wealthy resources?
As the report concludes, Europe must be ready to step up to the mark. An effective way of doing so, in support of emerging democracies, is to commit to tax justice if such countries are to become masters of their own destinies and not puppets of superpowers or multinational companies. One worldwide NGO reckons that $160 billion are lost by developing countries due to unscrupulous multinational companies dodging tax. So, one way of supporting emerging democracies would be to leave those countries in control of their natural resources so that they might be used for the benefit of the people, with a requirement that multinational companies file financial reports on a country-by-country basis, and with an end to transfer pricing. The people of the emerging democracies must benefit from the Arab Spring. The Council of Europe has a role to play in supporting those democracies, because we must ensure that one dictatorship is not replaced by another.
THE PRESIDENT – Thank you, Ms O’Sullivan.
THE PRESIDENT – Thank you. I call Ms O’Sullivan on behalf of the Group of the Unified European Left.
Ms O’SULLIVAN (Ireland) – The terms “Arab Spring” and “emerging democracies” are beautiful words. They are positive and uplifting, but they will not be worth the pages they are written on unless they translate into meaningful action and we see real democracy at work.
It is rather ironic that, at a time when we see glimmers of hope for countries that have been deprived of democracy and human rights for so long, in Europe we see increasing threats to our democracies. On the one hand, the real concern in some countries such as my own is that we are handing our sovereignty to the International Monetary Fund and to the European Central Bank etc., and being dictated to about what is best for our country and our people. On the other hand, there are countries from the Council of Europe where elected members are prevented from taking their seats in their own parliaments, and where there are serious human rights abuses and issues for certain ethnic people, so we in Europe need to consider what we understand by democracy.
Undoubtedly, the popular and mainly peaceful protest movements are welcome and overdue, because people long subject to tyrannical rule have said and are saying, “Enough is enough”. Fear is the enemy of democracy, and those people got to the point of no longer being afraid. Now, they will no longer put up with abusive behaviour by their police, their military or their government; they will no longer put up with economic hardship, especially in countries of economic growth where such growth was and remains in the hands of an elite; and well educated youths will no longer put up with being deprived of opportunities to develop their education, skills and rights.
The people of Eygpt, Tunisia, Yemen, Bahrain and Morocco have initiated steps towards political transformation at great cost to themselves. I am thinking of the group of doctors from Bahrain, many of whom were educated in Dublin, who have paid the price.
We have seen the values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law being upheld, or at least attempts being made to uphold them in the countries associated with the Arab Spring, and it began with the action of Mohammed Bouazizi in Tunisia on 10 December, who had had enough, been humiliated enough and been denied enough, and, when his only means of livelihood had been taken from him by a repressive power, doused himself in petrol and set fire to himself. We see also what he set fire to symbolically, however, and in his memory I hope that it is real democracy, with equal rights for all regardless of sex, creed and ethnicity, and where freedom of expression is respected.
Tunisia’s commitment to gender balance in parliament is to be welcomed, but some electoral lists may preclude this, and there may be a democratic deficit. We cannot assume that democracy will become a reality overnight, but it will be if the dominant countries in Europe, and the United States, Russia, China, etc. are also committed to real democracy and do not use what is happening for their own political or economic advantage.
I, like others, question the legitimacy of what happened in Libya, but that is not to condone the repressive actions of Colonel Gadaffi – the same Colonel Gadaffi who was feted, wined and dined by many countries in order to secure deals on oil. Where were those countries when it came to appalling human rights abuses in countries that do not have oil or wealthy resources?
As the report concludes, Europe must be ready to step up to the mark. An effective way of doing so, in support of emerging democracies, is to commit to tax justice if such countries are to become masters of their own destinies and not puppets of superpowers or multinational companies. One worldwide NGO reckons that $160 billion are lost by developing countries due to unscrupulous multinational companies dodging tax. So, one way of supporting emerging democracies would be to leave those countries in control of their natural resources so that they might be used for the benefit of the people, with a requirement that multinational companies file financial reports on a country-by-country basis, and with an end to transfer pricing. The people of the emerging democracies must benefit from the Arab Spring. The Council of Europe has a role to play in supporting those democracies, because we must ensure that one dictatorship is not replaced by another.
THE PRESIDENT – Thank you, Ms O’Sullivan.
20 July 2011 EC-Serbia Stabilisation Agreement: Motion
Dáil Select Foreign Affairs & Trade Committee
Click to hear Maureen
That the proposal that Dáil Éireann approves the terms of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Serbia, of the other part, signed at Luxembourg on 29th April, 2008, which was laid before Dáil Éireann on 15th January, 2009, be referred to the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, in accordance with Standing Order 82A(3)(b), which, not later than 21st July, 2011, shall send a message to the Dáil in the manner prescribed in Standing Order 87, and Standing Order 86(2) shall accordingly apply. See presnetastion of motion & Tanáiste briefing in full here
Maureen rasied a number of concerns around Serbian's involvement with it's neighbours " I can accept much of what is in the motion and perhaps it is time to take this step with Serbia. There has been an historical precedent and a number of positive moves in this regard, but I have reservations on three fronts." Read in full here
Maureen rasied a number of concerns around Serbian's involvement with it's neighbours " I can accept much of what is in the motion and perhaps it is time to take this step with Serbia. There has been an historical precedent and a number of positive moves in this regard, but I have reservations on three fronts." Read in full here
