Written answers

Tuesday, 10 May 2022

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

United Nations

Photo of Brian LeddinBrian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party)
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149. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on substantial reform of the United Nations Security Council and Ireland's position on the reform process beyond the procedural reforms regarding the veto which took place in April 2022; if Ireland is part of United Nations Assembly and other calls for United Nations Security Council reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22998/22]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Discussions on reform of the Security Council take place in the General Assembly, through the ongoing Intergovernmental Negotiations framework for Security Council reform.  

Ireland has long been active in these negotiations and has been consistently clear on the need to increase the size of the Security Council; to address geographic under-representation, particularly for Africa; and to see an end to the use of the veto, particularly in cases of mass atrocity crimes.  

There are significant challenges in securing progress but we continue to push for change.

One important element of change that Ireland, and like-minded partners, managed to deliver recently was to give the General Assembly a role when the veto is used by a permanent member of the Security Council. Ireland was part of a core group of States, led by Liechtenstein, which brought this ‘veto initiative’ to the General Assembly on 26 April, where it was supported by the wider UN membership and adopted.  

This now means that, whenever a veto is used, the General Assembly will automatically hold a debate, require the Council to submit a report and invite the Member State which used its veto to make a statement.  Ireland has long called for increased accountability and transparency in Security Council decisions and this is an important new element and we are pleased that we were able to work together with other States to bring about change.

Ireland is actively engaged in seeking reforms and making a positive impact across the work of the entire United Nations. We have particular influence when we serve on decision-making bodies such as the Security Council and the Human Rights Council. Ireland intends to seek membership of the Human Rights Council for the period 2027 – 2029, where we will continue to use our voice to push for accountability, compliance with international law and the promotion of human rights.

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