Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
271. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if her Department has taken or will take action concerning the decision of the Government of Mali to recriminalise homosexuality; and if she will express the Irish Government's concern. [71087/25]
View answerI am concerned at the law passed in October by the transitional parliament in Mali that criminalised homosexuality. The promotion and protection of human rights is a domestic and foreign policy priority for the Government, underpinned by our commitment to universal human rights. We recognise that LGBTQI+ people continue to suffer disproportionate levels of violence and face systemic discrimination in many countries, and we are active in advocating for LGBTQI+ rights.
Ireland strongly supports efforts internationally to promote and protect the rights of LGBTQI+ persons, including through the European Union, the UN Human Rights Council and the UN General Assembly. We have engaged actively with the UN Independent Expert on Protection against Violence and Discrimination based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, including at the June 2025 Human Rights Council. Ireland has also made defending the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons one of our top priorities in the campaign for election to the Human Rights Council.
At the most recent Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review of Mali in May 2023, Ireland called upon the Malian authorities to bring to justice all perpetrators of violations and abuses of human rights. We expressed concern about constraints on freedom of expression and the documented increase in gender-based violence in Mali. Ireland also encouraged the incorporation of the prohibition and punishment of all forms of sexual and gender-based violence into future legislation.
Ireland will continue to advocate in international fora for the promotion and protection of human rights, paying particular attention to the rights of LGBTQI+ people in the face of systemic discrimination.
The Government's international development cooperation programme, Irish Aid, is providing support for civil society organisations and human rights defenders working to defend LGBTQI+ rights in developing countries. We have remained steadfast in our commitment to international development, and to the promotion and protection of human rights globally. We will continue to support our partners working at the frontlines to promote human rights and accountability.
