Ireland must use Security Council to hold powerful to account

Congratulating the Irish Government and all those who contributed to the effort on their successful campaign to win a Security Council seat, Labour spokesperson on Foreign Affairs Brendan Howlin said:

“I want to pay particular tribute to our diplomats and civil servants in both the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and across the public service who played such a central role in our campaign to win a seat on the UN Security Council, and extend my congratulations to the Government and the Tánaiste Simon Coveney on a successful election.

“It is essential now that Ireland use our position to hold the powerful to account, champion our values and be fearless in advocating for those without a voice. We must strive to defend and strengthen human rights, and in particular work with others to deliver on the sustainable development goals.

“The pandemic we are all fighting together illustrates more than ever the need for co-ordinated multilateral action, and Ireland must be a leader on Covid-19 but also for climate justice, peace and international justice.”