236. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which the UN and member states ensure ethical sourcing and improved working conditions regarding cobalt mining in the DRC. [34788/26]

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in particular the eastern region, has experienced instability and conflict for a number of decades. The Embassy of Ireland in Dar es Salaam is accredited to the DRC, and actively monitors developments there.

EU programmes support sustainable development in the DRC, with some €424 million provided for partnerships between 2021 and 2024.  In 2023, the EU and the DRC signed a strategic partnership on sustainable raw materials value chains. One of the strands of this partnership focuses on sustainable and responsible sourcing and production of raw materials, including through strengthening governance, due diligence and traceability as well as aligning with international environmental, social and governance standards. The EU also funds the Cobalt 4 Development project which supports improvements in artisanal mining and small-scale cobalt mining in the DRC.

UN agencies, such as the International Labour Organisation and UNICEF, are also working to support the DRC Government to implement measures to improve working conditions in the artisanal mining industry. For example, the ILO launched the GALAB project in 2024, to combat the use of child labour in mining.

More broadly, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights provide guidance on how to protect human rights in the context of business operations. Ireland's second National Plan on Business and Human Rights is being developed and will take account of key international developments on business and human rights, including new EU Directives such as the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive.  Ireland will continue to support efforts to insist on greater transparency in supply chains, and adherence to fundamental human rights norms.

Ireland has been providing humanitarian and development support to the people of the DRC for many years through civil society and multilateral partners. Humanitarian programmes are responding to the needs arising from the ongoing conflict, particularly in the North and South Kivu Provinces and to the impact of natural disasters on local communities.  Between 2020 and 2025, Ireland contributed over €30 million in humanitarian assistance for communities in the DRC.