Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 April 2025
177. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his engagements with the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15463/25]
View answerIreland supports the important role that UN Special Procedures mandate holders play in the international human rights system. Their work contributes to the development of international human rights standards and helps to raise public awareness on human rights issues. My officials and I will continue to defend the important role undertaken by all such mandate holders.
Ireland regularly engages with the current holder of the mandate of Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967, Francesca Albanese, in the context of the UN Human Rights Council and the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly. Ms Albanese presented her most recent Report during an Interactive Dialogue with the UN Third Committee on 30 October 2024. Ireland intervened in the Interactive Dialogue, engaging with the Special Rapporteur and UN Member States, stressing the importance of respect for human rights, and the obligation to ensure the protection of civilians at all times in line with international humanitarian law.
Senior officials in my Department met with Ms Albanese on 21 March 2025 on the occasion of her most recent visit to Ireland, which provided an important opportunity to engage on issues related to her mandate. During the meeting, my officials acknowledged the extremely difficult operating environment in which Ms Albanese is carrying out her mandate and conveyed Ireland’s appreciation for her role.
