Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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118. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the international community is focused on the need to address human rights abuses worldwide; the current level of activity in this regard or proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40914/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Deputy for his question.

Respect for human rights and the promotion of human rights is a priority for the international, multilateral system and a cornerstone of Irish foreign policy. Ireland contributes actively to United Nations and European Union efforts to prevent, monitor and eliminate human rights violations and abuses.

There are a number of active mechanisms in place to promote and protect human rights in the international space. At the United Nations level Ireland is active at the UN Human Rights Council which takes place three times a year, over three to five weeks per session, and at the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly which takes place once a year over a seven week period. Both the UN Human Rights Council and the Third Committee have broad mandates and consider both thematic human rights issues and specific country situations of concern. Ireland is a candidate for a seat on the Human Rights Council for the 2027 - 2029 period.

Ireland also participates in the Universal Periodic Review process. The UPR is a State-led process to review the human rights situation of each state every 5 years (UPR cycle). Each year 3 UPR sessions are held. States under review present national reports on progress made during the previous cycle, and UN member and observer states make recommendations to the state under review. Since 2017, Ireland has taken a principled position to deliver recommendations to each country under review. This way Ireland actively engages with all countries to promote human rights and support Irish priorities.

At EU level, Ireland is an active participant and contributor to the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, which works globally to support the preservation of peace, the prevention of conflicts and the strengthening of international security. Human Rights issues are frequently discussed at the EU Foreign Affairs Council and General Affairs Council. The EU’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime also strengthens the EU’s ability to take collective action against perpetrators of human rights violations.

Although states bear the primary responsibility to investigate the most serious international crimes, Ireland regards the International Criminal Court as the cornerstone of the system of international justice, as recognized by 124 member states.