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United Nations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2020

Tuesday, 30 June 2020

Ceisteanna (21)

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

21. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his priorities and the difference in approach and policy his Department and representatives hope to introduce and address following the successful election to the UN Security Council. [13617/20]

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Freagraí scríofa

Following our election on 17 June, Ireland will take a seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2021 and 2022. 

Our approach to the work of the Council will be guided by the principles and values enshrined in the United Nations Charter, which have informed Irish foreign policy over many decades. 

The Council’s workload is very heavy, dealing with more than 30 country situations and 20 cross-cutting thematic issues that affect global peace and security. No two conflicts are the same and each needs to be approached with an understanding of root causes and contributory factors.

In line with the mandate of the Security Council as the principal organ charged with the maintenance of international peace and security, I would highlight three overarching principles that will guide our approach to the Council's work.

The first is building peace, including championing the UN's role in peacekeeping, reinforcing the link between peacekeeping and peace-building, and further developing cooperation on peace and security between the UN and regional organisations, including the African Union. We need to ensure that peace is inclusive and fully involves civil society, particularly women and young people.

The second is preventing conflict. This means strengthening the full spectrum of the UN’s conflict prevention activities – including preventative diplomacy, mediation and non-proliferation and disarmament - and addressing the structural drivers of conflict and insecurity, particularly climate change. 

The third is ensuring accountability. This means upholding the rule of law, in particular international humanitarian and human rights law, prioritising the protection of civilians in conflict, ensuring humanitarian access and fighting against impunity. 

Ireland aims to be an effective and impactful Member of the Council at a time when multilateralism is under grave pressure. Our work on peace and security issues on the Council will be fully integrated with our ongoing work on other foreign policy priorities, notably sustainable development and human rights.

During our campaign, we consulted widely with UN Member States to understand the views of the international community on key issues on the Security Council agenda. We will listen to the views of all parties before taking a position at the Council. We ran an inclusive campaign and we intend our Membership of the Council to be equally inclusive.

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