Human Rights Council 37th Session (26 February – 23 March 2018)

Item 4 – General Debate

Statement of Ireland

14 March 2018

Ireland aligns with the statement of the EU:

Mr President,

Ireland remains extremely concerned about the conflict in Yemen.  It is now the largest humanitarian crisis in the world, with restrictions on humanitarian access resulting in appalling suffering. The reports of violations of international humanitarian law and of international human rights law continue.  Ireland looks forward to the submission of the report of the group of Eminent Experts in advance of the September Council Session, which will help establish the facts necessary to ensure accountability for all violations.

After almost seven years of war in Syria, the callous disregard for human life that characterises this conflict has caused the death of  well over400,000 people. We are alarmed and concerned by the continued failure to implement a ceasefire in Eastern Ghouta.  We call in the strongest possible terms for a sustained meaningful ceasefire, as set out in UN Security Council Resolution 2401, and for full humanitarian access.

In Myanmar, we continue to follow the situation in Rakhine State with immense concern. The reports of serious violence and human rights violations show no sign of relenting. There is an urgent need for greater access for humanitarian aid, and for the comprehensive independent investigation of reported human rights violations.. In this context, Ireland thanks both the Special Rapporteur and the Fact Finding Mission for their invaluable contribution to the work of the Human Rights Council.

Ireland, as a strong supporter of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, condemns again the continuing and accelerating expansion of Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian territory. We are also deeply concerned about the situation of Palestinians in East Jerusalem, where the historic community is under great pressure.

In all of these cases, Ireland firmly believes that there must be accountability for all violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.

Finally, Ireland reaffirms its strong and unequivocal opposition to capital punishment in all circumstances and for all cases.  We are therefore gravely concerned by the continued use of the death penalty in Saudi Arabia and Iran, and with the ending of de facto moratoriums in countries such as Bahrain.

Thank you.