Statement of Ireland at the General Assembly debate, September 24, 2016
Statement of Ireland, September 2016
The UN has a central role in humanitarian action, and Ireland strongly supports the efforts to reform the UN System and coordination mechanisms to ensure a more effective response to the increasingly complex humanitarian needs around the world. This includes the protection of vulnerable groups in emergencies, notably women and girls.
Statement of Ireland, September, 2016
Therefore, it is critical that the performance, behaviour and reputation of troops or civilians engaged in UN operations is to the highest possible standard. Sexual Exploitation and Abuse by UN peacekeepers, sent to conflict zones to protect innocent civilians from harm, is absolutely unacceptable and Ireland calls for an end to impunity for these crimes.
Statement of Ireland, September 2016
We call for all members of the Security Council, but in particular China, the USA, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and France, to refrain from voting against credible draft resolutions on action to end the commission of genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes, including conflict-related sexual violence.
Statement of Ireland, September 2016
We therefore prioritise investment in conflict prevention and post-Conflict reconciliation, and recognise the importance of the empowerment of women to have a visible and recognised role in decision making.
Gender equality and women's empowerment are key cross-cutting priorities for Ireland. We are committed to strengthening our engagement on these priorities during our membership of the Commission on the Status of Women which commences on 1 January next. Ireland calls for the implementation of the conflict prevention and peacebuilding aspects of the three high-level reviews of the UN's peacekeeping and peacebuilding systems which took place in 2015, and for a sustained commitment to the Women, Peace and Security agenda.