Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 March 2022
240. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the international community continues to monitor the events in the various countries worldwide which are currently deemed to be victims of aggression; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15705/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe sources of conflict around the globe have grown in complexity in recent years and the international community and Ireland have had to adjust how we engage and respond to these crises.
The number and complexity of humanitarian crises globally, for example, has increased significantly. At the beginning of 2022, the United Nations estimated that 274 million people were in need of humanitarian assistance in 63 countries across the globe. Since then, an additional 10 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, mainly as a result of the Ukraine crisis. Conflict is the most significant driver of the record level of humanitarian need and the impact is felt most greatly on vulnerable groups, including women and children.
Reducing humanitarian need is one of the four key priorities in Ireland's development policy, A Better World. Ireland prioritises the provision of needs-based, principled humanitarian aid to major humanitarian crises such as Yemen, but also to ‘forgotten crises’ which receive less attention, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic and Sudan.
Our strong and enduring commitment to effective multilateralism, particularly through our membership of the European Union and the United Nations, is critical to maximising Ireland’s response to conflict and fragility around the globe.
We have been actively using our current role as an elected member of the UN Security Council in this context. Our approach at the Security Council is underpinned by three core principles: Building Peace, Strengthening Conflict Prevention, and Ensuring Accountability. In line with these, our priorities include: highlighting potential drivers of conflict, such as climate and food insecurity; improving peacekeeping mandates; and promoting respect for international law and accountability. Ireland has been active right across the Council agenda on regional issues, including Ukraine, Afghanistan, Syria, Iran and the Middle East, and on thematic issues, such as climate and security; women, peace and security; and the protection of civilians in armed conflict. We have a number of formal roles and responsibilities, and we have also led the Council’s response to the situation in Ethiopia. We always aim to play a constructive role, and to help the Council fulfil its key role in the maintenance of international peace and security.
Regarding the further invasion of Ukraine by Russia, supported by Belarus, our efforts are aimed at bringing an end to this war as soon as possible, ensuring accountability for violations of international humanitarian and human rights law and meeting the humanitarian needs of those caught in the midst of violence. Ensuring inclusivity in all of these elements, and in particular, the full, equal and meaningful participation of women and girls is vital.
Ireland, along with our partners, will continue to support genuine efforts at the UN Security Council to ensure safe and unhindered access of humanitarian assistance to those who need it, and to call for full respect of international humanitarian law.
