Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The prevention and eradication of torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment has been a cornerstone of Ireland’s approach to human rights for decades.  We strongly believe that the absolute prohibition of torture is one of the cornerstones of the international human rights framework.

When Ireland sought a seat at the UN Security Council, we did so with the intention of using our position to amplify the voices of small countries and with a commitment to upholding the rules-based international order. During our time on the Council, we have upheld these commitments and used our membership to hold Russia accountable and to urge it to end its war in Ukraine immediately.

Ireland believes unequivocally in the prohibition of torture without exception, whether physical or psychological, and recalls that freedom from torture is an absolute and non-derogable right under international law that must be upheld in all circumstances. Ireland supports investigations into all apparent war crimes, and accountability for those responsible.  Ireland is one of over 40 countries that has referred the situation in Ukraine to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Ireland has also submitted a request for leave to intervene as a third party in the proceedings brought by Ukraine against Russia before the European Court of Human Rights. In addition, Ireland filed a declaration of intervention in the case brought by Ukraine against Russia under the Genocide Convention at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

I met recently with President Spoljaric Egger of the International Committee of the Red Cross. We discussed the ICRC’s unique mandate and the significant challenges they are facing in Ukraine. President Eggar noted that prisoners of war are entitled to receive regular, unimpeded and repeated visits from delegates of the ICRC under the Third Geneva Convention and this is not occurring at present.

Ireland will continue to use our voice to call for accountability for all war crimes, and other international crimes, arising from this unprovoked and unjustified invasion. We acknowledge Ukraine’s cooperation with the Prosecutor of the ICC with respect to investigations concerning international crimes committed on Ukrainian territory and we regret that Russia has not engaged with any investigative mechanisms supported by the international community. We also look forward to the outcome of a robust enquiry by Ukrainian investigators into the treatment of Prisoners of War in their custody, highlighted in the report.