YouSaid · the spoken record

Gallagher

lines on the record: 173
first: 2021-06-07
most recent: 2023-08-03
sittings or episodes: 31
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“That can be a platform to be built on, and it should be accompanied by a commitment to refraining from violence, including during the upcoming dry season. We also welcome the efforts of the mission and the South Sudanese authorities to forge peace between the Ngok Dinka and the Twic Dinka. It is critically important that all dialogue efforts benefit from the full and unhindered participation of women and the inclusion of young people, both of which are key to inclusive and sustainable peace. We also welcome the inaugural opening of a pilot gender desk referral pathway for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in Abyei in June. Ireland welcomes the progress made in the reconfiguration of UNISFA to a multinational force and the mission’s increased engagement with communities.”
2022-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9170 (2022) · source
“It is beyond time for the Governments of the Sudan and South Sudan to live up to their responsibilities. We are encouraged by the indications from the co-Chairs of the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee that they are ready to meet. There are no short cuts to lasting peace. Nevertheless, we are encouraged by the leadership of the African Union (AU) and its commitment to supporting the parties and communities on the ground in finding a lasting solution. In particular, we are impressed by the AU plans to actively engage with local communities to help tackle the root causes of the conflict and to appoint a facilitator for the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee. Ireland welcomes the traditional leaders’ dialogue that took place earlier this year, supported by the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).”
2022-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9170 (2022) · source
“I thank Assistant Secretary-General Pobee and Special Envoy Tetteh for their briefings today. I also welcome the representatives of South Sudan and the Sudan to the Chamber. The humanitarian situation in Abyei is exacerbated by frequent outbreaks of violence and insecurity and the ongoing challenge of sexual and gender-based violence. Conditions are further worsened by the impacts of flooding, other climate-related issues and the global food crisis. Those circumstances make it all the more urgent that the Sudan and South Sudan redouble their efforts to find a mutually agreed solution for Abyei. We cannot let it become a forgotten crisis. The people of Abyei need access to State services. They deserve justice, security and the opportunity for economic development.”
2022-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9170 (2022) · source
“Advancing both of those issues is an essential part of the reconciliation process and can help to build confidence between Kosovo and Serbia. We know, again from our national experience, that peace is a process and not a moment. It takes courage to overcome conflict and the divisions it causes, but these are steps that need to be taken and are worth taking.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9155 (2022) · source
“In that context, I also want to underline Ireland’s continued support for the Kosovo Specialist Chambers. Countering impunity for past crimes is essential to preventing future violations. It is vital that the authorities in Kosovo adhere to their commitments to the Specialist Chambers. Ireland will also continue to support the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo. The United Nations has proved itself to be a trusted partner of all communities in Kosovo. UNMIK plays an important role by bringing people together, promoting inter-ethnic cooperation and supporting vulnerable and marginalized communities. We particularly value UNMIK’s work on missing persons and the work of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees on the return of displaced persons.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9155 (2022) · source
“And we thank the Special Representative of the Secretary- General for her updates today on that work. Though steps have been taken to prevent and combat sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls, we share the concerns of the Secretary-General that more must be done to ensure effective protection and support for victims and survivors of sexual and gender- based violence. We know that the people of Kosovo aspire to join the EU, and we welcome the fact that the Government of Kosovo has made progress in advancing the EU reform agenda. We take this opportunity to echo the European Commission’s report on its 2022 Enlargement Package on Kosovo and encourage Kosovo to continue along its EU path and to intensify its efforts to strengthen democracy, public administration and the rule of law.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9155 (2022) · source
“In that regard, Ireland reiterates its view that a comprehensive, final and legally binding normalization agreement is essential for the European perspective of both Serbia and Kosovo and for ensuring wider stability and prosperity in the Western Balkans. We know from experience in my country that achieving lasting peace is not possible without building a more equal and inclusive society. Peace cannot be sustained and political processes cannot be successful where women are not fully included and at the table and where the voices of young people and civil society are not heeded. Ireland welcomes Kosovo’s commitment to gender equality, and we value the work done by the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) to advance the women and peace and security and youth, peace and security agendas.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9155 (2022) · source
“We encourage both sides to continue their engagement to resolve all outstanding issues, including the issue of licence plates, as well as to preserve the integrity of the dialogue by respecting and implementing past agreements. Both sides have a responsibility to refrain from divisive rhetoric or action. The events of 31 July in northern Kosovo and the heightened tensions between Belgrade and Pristina throughout the reporting period remind us that hard-won gains can be quickly undone. Although calm prevailed, the importance of restraint and commitment to dialogue to resolve disagreements cannot be overstated. Against the current backdrop of multiple and intersecting global challenges, finding practical modes of economic cooperation between Belgrade, Pristina and the other countries of the region takes on new urgency.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9155 (2022) · source
“Let me thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for her briefing today. I would also like to welcome the representatives of Kosovo and Serbia to the Chamber. I want to begin by welcoming the 27 August agreement on free movement between Kosovo and Serbia, following high-level talks in Brussels. This agreement is a positive step in the right direction and will deliver concrete results for citizens. It is proof that acceptable, pragmatic solutions are possible when leaders engage openly and constructively in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue. That European Union (EU)- facilitated dialogue, mandated by the United Nations, is the channel through which issues and tensions between Kosovo and Serbia can and should be resolved.”
2022-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9155 (2022) · source
“The irresponsibility of such acts cannot be overstated and must deeply concern us all. That such acts could occur now, in the midst of a global energy crisis and with winter fast approaching, makes it all the more appalling. Sweden, Denmark and Germany have our full support in managing the consequences of this indefensible act, and we stand ready to provide any assistance necessary. We also strongly support the ongoing investigations in the most affected Member States in order to determine the full facts behind the leaks. Let us be clear — any deliberate disruption of European energy infrastructure is utterly unacceptable. Ireland, along with our European Union partners, will ensure that it is met with a robust and united response.”
2022-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9144 (2022) · source
“I would like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Hanif for his briefing and our other briefers for theirs. Ireland is deeply concerned by the sudden and extensive gas leaks detected in the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines earlier this week. The immediate priority must be to ensure maritime safety and avert the risk of a climate and ecological disaster. The potential for a massive and highly damaging emission event is a serious concern. All the analysis to date indicates that the leaks are the result of deliberate acts of sabotage. We understand that at least two detonations occurred underwater, damaging the pipelines and causing major leaks of natural gas into the Baltic Sea. The magnitude of the explosions was measured at 2.3 and 2.1 on the Richter scale, corresponding to an explosive load in the region of several hundred kilograms.”
2022-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9144 (2022) · source
“Ireland looks forward to returning to this table in the coming weeks, in accordance with resolution 2645 (2022), to hear updates from the Government of Haiti on efforts towards a framework for a political process and from the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti on its support for those efforts. Let us be clear — to succeed, all sections of society, including women and young people, must be fully involved in any political process. Above all, breaking the cycle in Haiti will require political will. Ireland calls on all actors to commit to dialogue in support of the needs and expectations of the Haitian people. They have waited long enough for the pace of action on a political agreement to match the urgency of their suffering and for those in political leadership to hear and heed their calls. The time is now.”
2022-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9136 (2022) · source
“Access to food for the millions in Haiti enduring severe food insecurity cannot be assured without an end to the violence. The time for a genuine national dialogue is past due. The time for a restoration of governance is past overdue. It is only through participative dialogue that Haiti can begin to regain stability, rebuild institutions and forge reconciliation — a political response to Haiti’s challenges led by and owned by all Haitians. A sustainable political path to the restoration of governance in Haiti will also require the support of the international community.”
2022-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9136 (2022) · source
“The multifaceted crisis engulfing Haiti will only worsen without humanitarian aid and essential aid providers. The looting and burning of the World Food Programme warehouse in Gonaïves was reprehensible. As Ms. Guarnieri told us, it essentially meant taking food from the mouths of those most in need. In that context, the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) in Haiti is more vital than ever. We call for increased support for UNHAS, as it works not only to access communities in need, but also to relocate humanitarian workers under threat of violence from gangs. Violence against humanitarian actors and medical workers must cease immediately, and unhindered humanitarian access must be facilitated without delay or interference.”
2022-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9136 (2022) · source
“Those responsible for those heinous crimes must be held to account. At the same time, steps must be taken urgently to provide protection and support to victims and survivors. We have noted the initiative of the penholders and look forward to engaging on the draft resolution. The deepening crisis threatens to push an already dire humanitarian situation over the edge. It seems that gangs are not content with targeting ordinary Haitians. They also want to target those who seek to help them. We wholeheartedly condemn the threats, intimidation and direct attacks that have been made against humanitarian actors in Haiti. The attacks violate our shared principles and our shared humanity. United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations, particularly at the local level, must never be targets.”
2022-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9136 (2022) · source
“We welcome the efforts of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime that we heard about today to curtail the proliferation of weapons in Haiti, which fuel and sustain violence and repression. Yet it is clear that more is needed. We have heard from Special Representative La Lime about the use of sexual and gender-based violence, including rape and sexual slavery, as a tactic by gangs to assert control over already traumatized communities. She told us that it is systematic. We condemn that unreservedly. We also condemn in the strongest terms the killing of two journalists on 11 September. Tayson Latigue and Frantzsen Charles were reporting on the suffering of Haitians at the hands of those armed groups. Journalists in Haiti must be free to do their work in safety, as they should be everywhere.”
2022-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9136 (2022) · source
“We thank our briefers for their statements and acknowledge the presence of the Foreign Ministers of Haiti and the Dominican Republic with us today. We are meeting today to discuss a further deterioration in the already devastating situation in Haiti. As we have heard, protests and subsequent civil unrest have plunged Haiti deeper into crisis, exacerbating the profound suffering of millions. The collapse of governance and of law and order has resulted in surging food prices, a lack of access to fuel and economic collapse. That vulnerability is being exploited by the unchecked proliferation of gangs intent on wreaking havoc across Haitian society, which they are doing through displacement, control and brutal violence.”
2022-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9136 (2022) · source
“The stakes are too high for the people of the Sudan, and the risks too great for the stability of the region, if they do not do so. Now is the time to restore the Sudan’s democratic transition for the benefit of all its people.”
2022-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9129 (2022) · source
“While the political process develops in Khartoum, the authorities continue to have a responsibility to protect their own people throughout the entire country. Recently in West Darfur and Blue Nile, hundreds of civilians were massacred. I want to express our sincere condolences to the families of the victims. The authorities must do everything they can to protect civilians, ensure accountability and tackle the root causes of the violence. That includes making real progress on the implementation of the Juba Peace Agreement and the Sudanese National Plan on the Protection of Civilians. In conclusion, let me reiterate my call for all Sudanese stakeholders to come together to find a way out of this political stalemate.”
2022-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9129 (2022) · source
“I am deeply concerned about continued reports of excessive use of force across the country against peaceful protesters by the military authorities and associated armed groups. That is unacceptable and must end. All human rights violations and serious crimes against civilians, including sexual violence and violations against children in armed conflict, must be investigated and those responsible held to account in a timely manner. Ultimately, we have to get to a point where the military accepts the democratic aspirations of the Sudanese people. It must resist the temptation to cling to illegitimate power and work in partnership with its Sudanese brothers and sisters in order to realize a better future.”
2022-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9129 (2022) · source
“While there may be an opening, all stakeholders need to put aside their differences and grasp this opportunity to shape the Sudan’s political future in a spirit of compromise and consensus. The window of opportunity to chart a path back to a civilian-led democratic transition may not be open for long. We call for redoubled support from the international community in order to facilitate consensus-building among the Sudan’s democratic stakeholders and to bolster the role of UNITAMS and the trilateral mechanism. For that process to have any chance of success, women must be fully and meaningfully involved, and there is more work to be done in that regard, as we heard from Mr. Mudawi.”
2022-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9129 (2022) · source
“Ireland and the European Union will continue to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance to those who need it most. As we heard from the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, only genuinely inclusive politics can be the foundation for addressing the acute challenges that the Sudan is facing. The military’s announcement that it would withdraw from the political process in order to allow space for real dialogue is positive — but only if rhetoric is accompanied by action. We urge the military to facilitate an environment that is conducive to genuine progress. The Special Representative of the Secretary- General told us that there is an opportunity to end the crisis.”
2022-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9129 (2022) · source
“I am particularly alarmed by the increasing militarization of Sudanese life and rising armed violence against civilians. Moreover, this crisis is occurring in a context of growing regional instability and a global food crisis, which is particularly impacting the Horn of Africa. In the Sudan today, hunger is now a looming reality for millions — an upsetting reversal in a country that has traditionally been a global leader in areas of agricultural production. Food costs are soaring, and access to basic goods is limited due to the effects of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. The situation is being exacerbated by severe flooding and the impacts of climate change. Once again, it is the most vulnerable who are suffering the most.”
2022-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9129 (2022) · source
“I would like to thank Mr. Volker Perthes for his briefing. Ireland strongly supports the work of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in the Sudan (UNITAMS), the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development in the Sudan. I also want to thank Mr. Perthes and his team for their tireless efforts. And I thank Mr. Mudawi for his thoughtful intervention. The deeply damaging consequences of last year’s military coup are now clearly manifesting themselves throughout the country. No aspect of Sudanese society has been left untouched by the fractured politics in Khartoum. We see than in the political and security turmoil, as well as in the deteriorating economic, social and humanitarian environment.”
2022-09-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9129 (2022) · source
“In conclusion, a Libyan-owned and Libyan-led process facilitated by the United Nations establishing a constitutional basis that paves the way for free, fair and inclusive national elections is the only way to overcome the current political deadlock. Libyans deserve a safe and prosperous future. It is past time for this.”
2022-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9098 (2022) · source
“We welcomed the consensus renewal of the FFM’s mandate at Human Rights Council earlier this month. A free and safe civic space is indispensable to the growth and sustenance of democracy. Recent demonstrations by Libyans, many of them youth-led, should serve as a wake-up call for Libyan leaders to put the needs and aspirations of their people first. It goes without saying that protests should remain peaceful, and security forces must exercise maximum restraint and act in compliance with human rights obligations. We also stress the importance of the fair and transparent management — free from political interference — of Libya’s resources and public wealth.”
2022-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9098 (2022) · source
“We call upon the authorities to address the failure of domestic legal frameworks to protect survivors and to improve and increase support structures. Libyan women are facing extreme barriers to meaningful participation in their country’s political transition. Even the use of the term “feminist” has become grounds for investigation and arrest. We sadly recalled the third anniversary last week of the abduction and enforced disappearance of Siham Sergewa. We call for accountability for her disappearance and condemn all acts that attempt to silence women’s voices. The FFM’s work, along with the renewed investigation of the International Criminal Court, is an important step towards delivering accountability and providing redress. This is crucial for the pursuit of peace, justice and reconciliation.”
2022-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9098 (2022) · source
“Last month, the presidents of the House of Representatives and the High Council of State met in Geneva under United Nations auspices to review the outstanding provisions of the 2017 Constitution. While the two sides made progress, as we have heard, building upon the JMC talks in Cairo, it is very disappointing that they did not bridge the remaining gaps to settle on a constitutional basis for elections. We strongly urge all Libyan actors to intensify dialogue towards resolving outstanding issues to deliver for the Libyan people. The findings of the third report of the Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Libya (FFM) make for disturbing reading. We are particularly troubled by incidents of sexual and gender-based violence, including against migrants.”
2022-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9098 (2022) · source
“The seizure last week of a vessel likely to be in violation of the United Nations arms embargo by the European Union military operation in the Mediterranean (Operation IRINI) further demonstrates the crucial role Operation IRINI plays in contributing to the embargo’s implementation. Ireland hopes to see a substantive renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) this week. Special Adviser Williams has done a commendable job in brokering an agreement between the parties on many sensitive issues. However, last week’s events show the need for a fully mandated UNSMIL, with its leadership agreed and in place. We call on the Security Council to show flexibility in facilitating the appointment of a new Special Representative at the earliest opportunity.”
2022-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9098 (2022) · source
“Let me thank the briefer today, Assistant Secretary-General Pobee. I would also like to recognize the Permanent Representative of Libya, who is with us today. Ireland is gravely concerned about the violence in Tripoli and Misrata last week, resulting in civilian casualties. We express our deepest condolences to the victims and their loved ones. This incident demonstrates how precarious the security situation in Libya has become. We call on all actors to refrain fully from any escalatory actions and preserve the fragile stability in place since the October 2020 ceasefire agreement. We commend the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) for its ongoing exemplary efforts on a number of key security issues and welcome the recent meeting with military leaders.”
2022-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9098 (2022) · source
“The diligence, professionalism and impartiality of the OPCW and the Technical Secretariat are clear to all. The Council should support the Organization’s work and uphold the legal norm against chemical weapons. Closing the Syrian case file and investigating any use of chemical weapons must remain a priority for the international community. There can be no impunity for those who use those illegal and abhorrent weapons. Ireland will continue to support all efforts, including through its membership of the OPCW Executive Council, to resolve outstanding issues on this file.”
2022-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9097 (2022) · source
“As Ireland stated at the July OPCW Executive Council meeting, Syria cannot continue to claim that it is actively cooperating with the Technical Secretariat of the OPCW and at the same time hinder the progress of its work by blocking access for the DAT and delaying the holding of bilateral meetings with the Director- General. Progress in resolving the serious gaps and inconsistencies in Syria’s declarations is essential. The bottom line remains that Syria must engage seriously with the OPCW to resolve these issues, urgently and without prevarication. It is also essential that we, as the international community, can be assured that Syria no longer holds or produces chemical weapons. That can only be done through the OPCW. Syria must stop seeking to undermine the authority and independence of the OPCW.”
2022-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9097 (2022) · source
“In response to Syria’s obstructive actions, the OPCW has continued to demonstrate flexibility and willingness to make progress, most recently by seeking to continue the work of the Declaration Assessment Team (DAT) through written correspondence. We are also concerned about the fact that arrangements for a bilateral meeting between Director- General Arias and Mr. Fayssal Mekdad, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic, are still outstanding after more than a year. Syria’s stated interest in the meeting does not match the six-month wait for a response to OPCW proposals on the agenda.”
2022-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9097 (2022) · source
“They include requests about the chemical agents produced at a mis-declared chemical-weapon production facility, the schedule 2 chemicals from Busra and chlorine canisters, which form part of the evidence from Douma and were moved without the OPCW being informed and supposedly destroyed. That is against a background of multiple chemical-weapon attacks documented by the OPCW and the United Nations and attributed to the Syrian authorities. At the same time, Syria has blocked or sought to place conditions on the OPCW’s work. That is contrary to its obligations under resolution 2118 (2013) to accept personnel designated by the OPCW or the United Nations and to provide immediate and unfettered access.”
2022-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9097 (2022) · source
“I thank Mrs. Izumi Nakamitsu for her briefing today. Ireland welcomes today’s meeting. Through the Council’s consistent engagement, these meetings remain important in holding Syria to its obligations under resolution 2118 (2013) and the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), and in supporting the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in its mandated task. That is vital, as it has been more than a year since we have seen any progress on this file. During that time, Syrian cooperation with the OPCW has gone into reverse. Twenty issues remain outstanding regarding Syria’s declarations. While Syria continues to claim that it is cooperating with the Technical Secretariat, we have seen no real effort from Syria to comply with its obligations. OPCW requests for information go unanswered.”
2022-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9097 (2022) · source
“Language in this resolution that “expresses concern at accounts of the military use of the ports of Hodeidah, Salif and Ras Issa” is based on assessments that we do not all have access to, and therefore strays from usual precedent and practice at the Security Council. It would also have been Ireland’s preference for this text to remain fully aligned with that of the original Hodeidah Agreement, on which the Mission’s capacity and focus remains. Nonetheless, our support for UNMHA, for its leadership and for the role it plays on the ground remains steadfast. We are pleased to see unanimous agreement on its renewal today. The meeting rose at 10.10 a.m.”
2022-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9091 (2022) · source
“Ireland voted in favour of resolution 2643 (2022) today, renewing the United Nations Mission to support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA) for a further 12 months. We fully support the work of the Mission, under the leadership of Major General Michael Beary, and we thank the penholder, the United Kingdom, for its efforts. The role of UNMHA is critical at this delicate moment for Yemen, including as a key interlocutor and mediator between the parties during the truce, its leading role on life-saving mine action and its engagement with local communities in Al-Hudaydah, not least with women’s organizations. We welcome that that is reflected in the text adopted today. Ireland wishes to put on record its view that Security Council resolutions should remain grounded in evidence-based reporting that is available to all Security Council members.”
2022-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9091 (2022) · source
“I am sure that no member of the Council wishes for us to reach that point, and so we can all agree that effective accountability provides an essential foundation for a rules-based international order that guarantees the rights of both individuals and States.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052 (2022) · source
“Our own Constitution affirms Ireland’s adherence to the principle of the pacific settlement of international disputes by international arbitration or judicial determination, and we therefore firmly believe in the value of the Court’s role in helping to prevent conflict between States. We therefore urge all members of the United Nations, and especially Council members, to accept the Court’s compulsory jurisdiction, and we call on the Council to strengthen its cooperation with the Court. The various accountability mechanisms I have mentioned this morning all play an important role in supporting respect for international law. Without effective accountability, some will believe that there are no consequences for violations of international law. That threatens to undermine respect for international law.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052 (2022) · source
“Later this month, Ireland will host an Arria Formula meeting to mark the twentieth anniversary of the entry into force of the Rome Statute, and to reflect on the relationship between the ICC and the Security Council. It is why we advocate for formulating a convention on crimes against humanity and believe in the need to strengthen international cooperation on the most serious crimes, including through the mutual legal assistance treaty currently being negotiated. Ireland shares President Donoghue’s view that the International Court of Justice is central to the maintenance and strengthening of an international order based on the rule of law.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052 (2022) · source
“The use of the veto to prevent the Council from acting to deal with atrocity crimes cannot be justified. Ireland was part of the core group supporting the General Assembly’s recent successful adoption of a veto initiative (resolution 76/262). It means that any permanent member of the Security Council using the veto will have to account for that use to all members of the United Nations in the General Assembly. We look forward to the Assembly’s first debate under that resolution next week. We must also look for other means of strengthening accountability. That is why Ireland stands firmly in support of the International Criminal Court in seeking to ensure that those responsible for the most serious crimes of international concern cannot act with impunity. It is why we continue to promote universal adherence to the Rome Statute.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052 (2022) · source
“That action by the Council has now led to the opening of the first prosecution at the ICC arising from the investigation of the situation in Darfur, against former Janjaweed commander Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, for war crimes and crimes against humanity. We must also consider how the Council can ensure stronger implementation of its own resolutions. For example, in the case of resolution 2417 (2018), we already have the tools to ensure accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and the use of starvation as a weapon of war. We just need the collective political will to use them. But too often the Council has refused to act, almost always because of the exercise of a veto by one of its permanent members. That is why the Council must be held to account.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052 (2022) · source
“Those initiatives demonstrate significant, and welcome, coordination between the relevant authorities. We encourage the continuation of this comprehensive approach to the pursuit of accountability. If we are to achieve justice for victims and survivors, it is essential that we ensure that this momentum is maintained and that the investigations ultimately result in fair and impartial criminal prosecutions where there is evidence to support them. But we must not shy away from assessing the gaps that those actions reveal, including the Security Council’s lack of action. In the past, we have seen what the Council can achieve in the realm of accountability through its referral of the situations in Darfur and Libya to the ICC.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052 (2022) · source
“I therefore welcome the fact that in the past three months we have seen the operationalization of mechanisms to ensure criminal accountability at the domestic, regional and international levels in support of the calls for justice in Ukraine. Ireland was one of 41 States that quickly referred the situation in Ukraine to the International Criminal Court (ICC). National prosecution services were mobilized across Europe, and the International Criminal Court has deployed a team of 42 investigators, forensic experts and support personnel to Ukraine to investigate crimes and support the relevant Ukrainian authorities. We are also encouraged by the Human Rights Council’s establishment of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052 (2022) · source
“By accountability, we mean not just the criminal accountability of individuals for the commission of atrocity crimes, but also the political and legal accountability of States for their behaviour, especially in breaches of their international obligations. The criminal accountability of individuals is particularly important. When the perpetrators of atrocities go unpunished, they are emboldened, and cycles of violence are perpetuated. Indeed, in recent years we have seen that failure to ensure criminal accountability leads to a sense of impunity, and the resulting accountability gap for atrocity crimes has undoubtedly exacerbated the ongoing conflicts in Yemen, Syria and Myanmar.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052 (2022) · source
“I would like to thank you, Mr. President, Prime Minister Rama, and to congratulate you on Albania’s assumption of the presidency of the Council and for organizing this open debate. I also want to thank our excellent briefers for their presentations this morning. I want to begin by offering my deepest condolences to the family and colleagues of Judge Cançado Trindade, of the International Court of Justice, on his passing. His contributions in the field of international law will always be remembered. When Ireland’s term on the Security Council began last year, we outlined three priority issues that we wanted to promote. One of them was accountability, and in particular the question of how to ensure more effective accountability.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052 (2022) · source
“Efforts to address such risks should consider the disproportionate impact that the fallout of climate change has on women and girls. We commend the efforts of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) in that space, including the recent engagement with community-based initiatives aimed at raising awareness about gender equality and the leadership role of women in addressing the adverse effects of climate change. Finally, we note that Iraq continues to play a commendable and constructive role in regional cooperation and mediation at a critical time. We look forward to the renewal of UNAMI’s mandate at the end of this month, and we offer our full support to the Mission and its leadership.”
2022-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9034 (2022) · source
“As the fifth most climate-vulnerable country in the world, Iraq faces myriad problems, including water scarcity, extreme temperatures, desertification, drought, a lack of clean energy sources and, as we heard from the Special Representative of the Secretary- General today, dust- and sandstorms. Tensions within communities over water resources and migration from drought-ridden rural areas to ill- equipped urban ones are just two examples of the risks and challenges that can contribute to the humanitarian situation and instability in Iraq. We welcome Iraq’s pioneering of a green paper, and we encourage further efforts, including by the new Government, once formed, to enshrine climate mitigation and adaptation into policy and to prioritize a much-needed green transition.”
2022-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9034 (2022) · source
“Iraqis have waited too long for accountability for human rights violations in their country, including those committed against demonstrators, activists, journalists, human rights defenders and women who are targeted for their participation in the public sphere. I again thank Ms. Edwar for her important testimony on behalf of civil society today. Today is the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. I am extremely troubled by recent reports of killings, abductions, torture and sexual violence perpetrated against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons by armed groups in Iraq. Such persecution is intolerable and unacceptable. I call on the authorities to end the culture of impunity that emboldens perpetrators and denies victims and survivors their right to justice.”
2022-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9034 (2022) · source
“We are also concerned by a recent uptick in attacks attributed to the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham. Those attacks regrettably remind us of the enduring threat posed by the group to Iraq and elsewhere. As we heard, the situation in Sinjar is deeply troubling. We call on Baghdad and Erbil to implement security arrangements, in close consultation with Yazidis and other communities living in Sinjar, who have suffered for too long from a lack of security. Reports of as many as 10,000 individuals fleeing violence in Sinjar in recent weeks are deeply concerning. We call on all actors to exercise restraint, engage in dialogue and respect Iraq’s territorial integrity.”
2022-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9034 (2022) · source