We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Seanad
‹ Order of Business

Persecution of Christians worldwide

Summary

Senator Ó Murchú requests an urgent debate on the genocidal persecution and displacement of Christians in the Middle East and Africa.

Will the Acting Leader arrange an urgent debate on the persecution of Christians worldwide which has reached genocidal proportions? Thousands of Christians have been exterminated because of their beliefs and hundreds of thousands have been driven from their homes. In parts of the Middle East and Africa an ethnic cleansing campaign is taking place. Surprisingly, the United Nations has been most inactive on this issue and the crisis has received very little publicity. The issue is a source of grave concern for all of us who believe in freedom of speech, tolerance and democracy. This is allowed to happen with no outcry or accountability by ambassadors and others. It is vital that we should avail of every opportunity, including in this House, to make a case for an immediate focus on this issue. Let me give one example. It is estimated that in five years time there will be no Christians left in Iraq. That is how serious the problem is. The fact that we allow it to happen, are not working together in a united fashion to resolve it and have not put pressure on the governments where this extermination is taking place will come back to haunt everyone who believes in democracy. Will the Acting Leader set aside a couple of hours for a debate the week after next? Senators could leave politics and partisanship aside to put forward a joint motion and suggest Dáil Éireann do the same. At this morning's briefing on this issue a copy of the report, Persecuted and Forgotten? A Report on Christians oppressed for their Faith 2013-15, was circulated and its executive summary is absolutely shocking. We are all aware of the problem, but it is under the radar, to some extent. Unless we bring it centre stage at this time, we will have lost the opportunity of proving that when something like this arises, we do what we can, no matter how limited that is, to correct such a tragedy.

Comment on this