Social Democrats Foreign Affairs Spokesperson and T.D. for Dublin Bay North, Cian O’Callaghan welcomes Ireland’s election to the United Nations Security Council and calls on the Government to use its new influence to promote peacebuilding and peacekeeping, and to stand up for human rights, minority groups, Palestine and other small nations.
Deputy Cian O’Callaghan said:
‘The Government should use this seat on the UN Security Council to promote peace initiatives. Ireland has a proud track record on peacekeeping. Since 1958, not a single day has passed that Ireland hasn’t had peacekeepers on active duty. We also have a deep understanding of what it takes to successfully negotiate and implement a peace process. We must use this experience and understanding to be a vocal advocate for peacebuilding and peacekeeping in other parts of the world.’
‘As a neutral country, we can act as the conscience of the UN Security Council – speaking truth to power, calling out unlawful acts and acting as a force for good. The positions taken must reflect the values of the Irish people. We must speak up in defence of human rights; this includes vocalising our support for LGBTI+ rights, gender equality and the rights of ethnic minority groups. We must also use this seat to stand up in defence of Palestine and other small nations.’
[ENDS]
17th June 2020