Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 January 2022
225. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which directly and or through the European Union or United Nations and using Ireland’s position on the United Nations Security Council efforts continue to be made to address situations in which hunger, starvation, genocide, ethnic cleansing and violence against minorities can be addressed in a meaningful way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4175/22]
View answerThe Global Island review of our foreign policy engagement published in 2015 sets out our ambition for a fairer, more just, more secure and more sustainable world through our development programme, human rights policies, peacekeeping, disarmament and security policies and growing engagement with emerging global issues including climate change. It also considers the role of the EU and UN in amplifying Ireland's voice and extending its influence. That vision was amplified in 2019 with the publication of A Better World, the Government’s policy on international development, and the Global Ireland policy, enhances our ability to advocate for and achieve our foreign policy objectives, including international development, peace, disarmament and security.
During this second part of Ireland’s tenure on the Security Council, our engagement will continue to be guided by the principles that the Government agreed at the start of our term: building peace, strengthening conflict prevention, and ensuring accountability.
Accountability for human rights violations, including genocide and ethnic cleansing, remains a key priority. Ireland has been active in the Security Council and other international fora on these matters, both independently and as part of the EU. For example, at both Human Rights Councils 43 and 44, Ireland joined other EU Member States in co-sponsoring resolutions on protecting populations from genocide.
A strong international criminal justice system is also central to fighting impunity. While states bear the primary responsibility to investigate the most serious international crimes, including war crimes and genocide, Ireland regards the International Criminal Court as the cornerstone of such a system. We are a consistent and strong supporter of the Court.
Ireland is the informal focal point on hunger and conflict on the Security Council, reflecting the importance which addressing hunger has in our development programme.
In December’s Nutrition for Growth Summit, hosted by Japan, Ireland pledged to spend €800 million over the next five years on nutrition programmes and interventions. These pledges show Ireland's commitment to place nutrition at the forefront of development priorities and as a critical element in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Ireland’s strong relationship with the World Food Programme, the largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide, is a key part of our work to address famine. Under a new agreement signed in December 2021, Ireland will provide at least €75 million to WFP over the next three years (2022 – 2024).
