Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 June 2022
331. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the appropriate bodies which may make a retrospective decision against countries causing aggression, death and destruction on a regular basis; if the United Nations Security Council is addressing these issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33547/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s strong and enduring commitment to effective multilateralism, particularly through our membership of the European Union and the United Nations, is central to our response to international acts of aggression and the complex drivers of conflict around the globe.
There are a number of international bodies which seek to hold States to account for their actions.
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. We continue to support efforts at the UN Security Council to ensure full respect for international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
The Human Rights Council has a primary role within the United Nations system to promote and protect human rights globally and to address situations of human rights violations. In March this year, Ireland co-sponsored a Human Rights Council resolution establishing an independent Commission of Inquiry to investigate all alleged violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law and related crimes in the context of Russia’s invasion, and supported the UN General Assembly’s decision to suspend Russia’s membership rights from the Human Rights Council on 7 April.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) promotes and upholds accountability and the rule of law by providing a means to bring to account the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community. Ireland, together with its EU partners, has been a consistent and strong supporter of the ICC and will continue to support its important work. As part of our support for the Court, on 14 April I announced that Ireland will make a voluntary contribution of €3 million to the ICC, €1 million of which has already been distributed to the Office of the Prosecutor. This contribution will be used to benefit the ICC’s work across all situation countries.
