Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

46. To ask the Taoiseach if it has become apparent that the United Nations needs to adopt a more vigorous stance on violations of human rights, hunger, famine and starvation and an immediate response in which aggression is becoming more prevalent on a worldwide basis following his interaction with the United Nations in the context of Ireland's membership of the Security Council. [48273/22]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I visited New York for UN High Level Week from 21-23 September. In delivering Ireland’s National Statement to the General Assembly, I said that all countries, no matter how small, have a contribution to make to international peace and security, and to economic and social development; and that all people have the right to live in dignity; to have their human rights and fundamental freedoms respected. I spoke frankly also about the need for a strengthened and reformed United Nations, one that is not hamstrung by the veto power of a single member state.

I noted, however, that this is not the case for those currently facing hunger and food insecurity, nor for those in Ukraine being bombarded by Russian missiles, nor for many people in Syria, Afghanistan or Palestine. I spoke also of the devastating impacts of climate change, with those who bear least responsibility for its causes often most affected.