Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
174. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his engagements with the government of Burma/Myanmar and its embassy regarding reported election irregularities in the country (details supplied). [72177/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe situation in Myanmar continues to be of grave concern to the Government. We have seen an appalling humanitarian tragedy unfold in that country since the military attempted to seize power in an illegal coup in 2021. Thousands of civilians have been killed, and millions have been displaced or forced into poverty and hunger.
My Department has been closely following developments in Myanmar, including the latest developments surrounding the electoral process announced earlier this year by the so-called State Security and Peace Commission. The European Union issued a strong and comprehensive statement on 10 December - International Human Rights Day - which Ireland fully supports, describing our shared concern regarding the holding of elections in the current context and the serious issues associated with such a move. The essential conditions for free and fair polls are not in place in Myanmar at this time. As the EU statement notes, widespread violence, restrictions on fundamental freedoms, mass detentions, and the exclusion of key political actors severely undermine the credibility of the process.
Ireland implements UN and EU sanctions in relation to Myanmar, which effectively target Myanmar’s military regime, and other groups and entities which threaten democracy, rule of law and peace and security. Ireland is open to consideration of further measures that would be effective in restoring Myanmar’s democratic path and encouraging the cessation of human rights abuses.
Since the coup in February 2021, neither I nor my Department have undertaken actions that would serve to confer the appearance of legitimacy on the military junta. In keeping with that principle, we have not held any bilateral meetings or engagements with the military authorities, or with the Myanmar Embassy in London.
Ireland's Embassy in Bangkok maintains ongoing contact with a range of stakeholders and contacts representing Myanmar civil society, human rights defenders, media and others who are working to support efforts to restore peace, stability and democracy to Myanmar.
My Department will continue to engage both with EU partners and at the UN to urge a return to democracy, stability, and respect for human rights. Ireland supports ASEAN’s efforts to this end, including the full and effective implementation of the ASEAN Five Point Consensus. Ireland joins with our EU partners in urging all stakeholders to prioritise an immediate ceasefire, an end to violence, an inclusive political dialogue, and unhindered humanitarian access.
