Ireland: supporting democratic change in the Middle East and North Africa
Across the Middle East and North Africa, the uprisings which began at the end of 2010 have led to sweeping changes in many countries, and have everywhere had a profound impact on the recognition of the universality of human rights and the aspiration for greater freedom and democracy.
Ireland, speaking both nationally and together with our EU partners, has supported the will of ordinary people throughout the region, peacefully expressed, to bring about long overdue democratic reforms. We have urged Governments to respond positively to the aspirations behind the popular movements across the region.
The pace of change
The success and pace of the transformation varies considerably across the region, and has been violently opposed in some countries. Change cannot be dictated from outside, but Ireland has supported EU efforts to encourage reform and the building of democratic institutions, such as help in training and capacity building in states where new governmental structures need to be developed. The EU has also promised improved market access and more financial assistance to the countries carrying out reforms.
Our position is in keeping with our overall objectives for the region: the people of the Arab world have the entitlement to the same rights that, for many in Europe and elsewhere, are taken for granted. The rights to choose their leaders, to live free from fear of persecution, and to build a better life for their children.
Democracy
The Government is working to strengthen relations with the new democratically elected governments in Libya and Tunisia.
Ireland believes that a free and vibrant civil society is the essence of democracy, as indispensable as the ballot box. We encourage governments in the region to bring laws governing civil society and the freedoms of expression and association into line with international standards.