Cathal BarryForeign Affairs Minister worries for Christian communities
The Government is in discussions with EU partners towards finding a ‘resolution’ to the ethnic cleansing of Iraq’s ancient Christian community at the Human Rights Council.
Speaking in the Seanad last week after senators were recalled from their summer recess for a special sitting of the Upper House which focused on the ongoing crisis in Gaza, Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan drew attention to the advance of the ISIS movement in northern Iraq which has raised a serious threat to minority communities in that area.
“Many of the people in this community, which was much reduced by previous violence, live in and around the greater urban area of Mosul. We are greatly concerned for the safety of these ancient Christian communities,” Mr Flanagan said.
“Along with my predecessor, Deputy Eamon Gilmore, I have discussed this issue at recent meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council. In the last few days, Ireland has discussed with EU partners the possibility of bringing forward a resolution on this important issue at the Human Rights Council.”
Earlier in the debate, Fianna Fáil Senator Jim Walsh criticised the widespread silence from the Government and Irish media about the situation in the Middle East.
“Prior to 2003 there were 1.5 million Christians in Iraq, whereas now the number stands somewhere between 100,000 and 200,000. That is a decrease of 90% and very little focus has been placed on it by the media, particularly in Ireland, and the political establishment throughout Europe,” he said.