Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 January 2021
385. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which Ireland proposes, through its membership of the UN Security Council, to focus on major human rights blackspots globally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4180/21]
View answerIreland assumed its seat on the UN Security Council on 1 January 2021. We are committed to actively supporting human rights across the full Council agenda, which includes some 20 thematic files and 30 country and regional file.
Three core principles will frame our approach: building peace, strengthening conflict prevention and ensuring accountability.
In our approach to ensuring accountability, Ireland will promote respect for international human rights law and international humanitarian law, prioritise the protection of civilians, support the fight against impunity, and stand by the International Criminal Court.
Many of the countries on the Security Council agenda face serious human rights challenges, which will be an important consideration in our work on country-specific items.
UN Peacekeeping Operations and Special Political Missions play an essential role in protecting civilians and promoting respect for human rights, and Ireland will support their crucial work in this area.
We will promote accountability and compliance with international human rights law in our engagement on thematic issues, and in our work on Security Council subsidiary bodies, including sanctions committees, the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, and the Informal Expert Group on Women, Peace and Security, which we will co-chair.
We will also seek to promote interaction between the Security Council and Geneva-based UN bodies.
