“Ireland's role in an era of Global Uncertainty: International Law, Human Rights and Global Security” - Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD

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Keynote address at the Royal Irish Academy Standing Committee International Affairs Conference

A Chairde,

Thank you for the invitation to address you today, at this year's annual conference, hosted by the Royal Irish Academy's Standing Committee for International Affairs.

Let me commence by thanking Professor Daniel Carey, President of the Royal Irish Academy, and the team at the Academy for hosting us - and I might take the opportunity to extend my congratulations to Professor Carey, on his recent appointment - as well as Niamh Dowdall.

I would also like to thank Professor Padraig Carmody, Professor Imelda Maher, and the rest of the Standing Committee, in particular Colin Wrafter, and Dr Shelley Deane, who have brought us together today.

Let me also take a moment to thank all the journal contributors, and panellists, for bringing your expertise to today's conference - not least our keynote speaker, Professor Siobhan Mullally, Director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights at the University of Galway, and UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children.

I would like to acknowledge the presence of Ambassadors, and members of the diplomatic corps, who have taken the time to come today.

And to everyone who has chosen to attend and participate in these conversations - your presence here is a signal of the necessity for deeper, reflective thinking about the challenges of today.

I also would like to remember the late Professor Conor Gearty, who left us too soon last September. We were enriched by the greatness of Conor's scholarship on human rights law, and his passing leaves a great absence, for all of us. I was glad to have the opportunity to meet his wife, Aoife Nolan, in Moldova, and express my condolences.

Unquestionably, we are living through a period of deep and rapidly evolving challenges - especially internationally - with disruption on multiple fronts.

So, I welcome the opportunity to speak on the theme of today's conference:

"Ireland's role in an era of Global Uncertainty: International Law, Human Rights and Global Security"

It is often said, but bears repeating, that the number of conflicts today is greater now than at any time since WWII - having devastating effects on civilian populations in those countries, and wide-ranging impacts, some of which are felt here in Ireland.

Some, such as the war in Ukraine and the most recent escalations in the Middle East, dominate our screens and our media, as well as the international agenda - while others, such as Sudan, are receiving not nearly the attention needed.

Millions of people around the world are trapped in humanitarian crises, facing unprecedented levels of immense hardship and suffering, often fuelled by the violence of war but also by natural and climate-related disasters.

Climate change is no longer a distant reality but a daily reality, with impacts felt worldwide but unequally.

In an increasingly interconnected and interdependent globalised society, ramifications have reach.

We see this as the effects of ongoing and alarming developments, in the Middle East, on global energy markets are already impacting Irish households and businesses, and political systems in Ireland as well as right around the EU.

Meanwhile, the rapid advance of borderless technologies such as AI, and the rise of the tech companies that drive them, has significant implications for energy and environment, while also being a source of international regulatory tensions and geopolitical competition, and they are even changing the nature of war itself. Indeed, an AI Omnibus regulation was agreed just today by representatives of the Council Presidency and the European Parliament.

For those who long for a less busy news cycle, and a more boring world - you are not alone.

But looking closer, a common thread underpinning many, if not all, of these issues is an erosion of respect for the international legal order and human rights.

In this time of geopolitical turbulence, Ireland is navigating not only an international landscape with real implications, but also a moment of leadership, as we shortly assume the Presidency of the Council of the EU, and as we put ourselves forward for membership, of the UN Human Rights Council.

As European Affairs Minister, I am conscious of the high expectations for our EU Presidency and, working together as Team Ireland, we will work hard to meet those expectations and we will deliver a successful EU Presidency.

Ireland's Constitution, Bunreacht na hÉireann, makes it clear that we accept:

"the generally recognised principles of international law as our rule of conduct in our relations with other states."

These generally recognised principles, developed through multilateral processes - and above all through the United Nations - constitute the international legal order.

As a small state, Ireland has consistently championed the rule of law in international affairs and the protection of human rights.

The UN Charter is the bedrock of these principles.

But it is not solely an expression of abstract values; for Ireland the Charter and the UN itself, are clear reflections of where our values and our interests align.

In this regard, the recent European Council Conclusions - the Leaders' Conclusions - on multilateralism are timely.

They reaffirm the EU's unwavering commitment to an effective international order based on law with the UN at its core.

They underscore the need to strengthen the UN system, uphold the UN Charter, and reinforce respect for international law and human rights.

Ireland fully aligns with this approach, and we will continue to play an active role in supporting a strong, credible and effective UN.

Because as an active member of the global community, Ireland is among the many authors and architects of the agreements and declarations, the bricks and mortar of the UN system, the international legal order, some better known than others.

Among the better known:

Progressing the disarmament and non-proliferation agenda.

Supporting sustainable development and an equitable climate transition.

Protecting human rights at the heart of that order, including promoting gender equality.

Calling for greater accountability at the International Criminal Court.

It's a system we believe in.

It's a system we have invested in.

It's a system we rely on.

And a system we practice in.

For the international legal order, as embodied in the UN system, is not merely a framework for cooperation - it is also a vital security asset.

The UN Charter provides the foundational rules governing relations between states, while UN institutions offer mechanisms for dialogue, conflict prevention, peacekeeping, and accountability.

For states like Ireland, the international legal order underpins the stability upon which our prosperity depends, and reinforces the norms that protect our sovereignty.

And we have seen where the rejection of international law has led us in recent years.

Widespread conflict in the Middle East, Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, and the expanding humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

As we confront these challenges, and the erosion of norms and disregard of multilateralism inherent to them, Ireland reaffirms that the international legal order, and the centrality of the UN to this system has never been more important.

Under Article 29 of Bunreacht na hÉireann, the international relations of Ireland are founded upon international justice and morality. And this is the law of the land.

We affirm our devotion to the ideal of peace and friendly co-operation amongst nations. That, again, is the law of the land - not just a wish.

Since my appointment last year, I have advocated a policy of 'principles-based pragmatism'.

It is my belief that we cannot be locked into a state of stasis in responding to the geopolitical challenges, and security and defence risks that face us.

In putting forward this policy of 'principles-based pragmatism', I believe that we must be pragmatic about the geopolitical reality we find ourselves in and pragmatic about how we navigate that reality.

But that sense of pragmatism must be anchored by the constitutional and legal principles governing our State.

Through increased investment in our security and defence capabilities, Ireland is investing in our policy of military neutrality.

And in prioritising the passage of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2025 this year, the Government will fulfil its Programme for Government commitment to reform what is known as the 'Triple-Lock'.

We believe that the 'Triple Lock' is no longer fit for purpose.

We don't believe it is sustainable for Ireland to continue to outsource the approval process for the overseas deployment of our own military personnel to members of the UN Security Council.

We have not seen any new peace missions agreed by the UN Security Council in recent times. This is simply a fact of life.

And we have seen the effective ending of UNIFIL in Lebanon by one member of the UN Security Council. And indeed, unless this legislation happens, if there was a successor UNIFIL mission without a Security Council mandate, we couldn't participate.

Last year, I was proud to meet with member of the Irish Defence Forces participating in Operation Irini and working to implement the UN arms embargo on Libya.

But members of the Irish Defence Forces could not take part in this important peace work until that mission got a UN Security Council mandate, even when it was operational as an EU mission. That mission itself is uncertain, including the renewal of its mandate quite soon.

In dealing with the question of Ireland's role in an era of global uncertainty, I believe we must protect our sovereignty and we must be in a position to make our own decisions, in the interests of maintaining our proud tradition of peacekeeping abroad.

Taking hold of reality does not mean, and cannot mean, letting go of our ideals. In reforming the 'Triple Lock', we will do so in a manner that remains fully consistent with our legal principles and moral values, which are actually the law of the land, as a nation.

And we will always act in accordance with our obligations under international law.

From our own history, marked both by dark chapters as well as by transformative social change, we understand that a peaceful, thriving society is built on respect for human rights.

Indeed, it is a deep, abiding commitment to human rights, multilateralism and the rule of law that has guided Ireland from our first steps as an independent State a little over 100 years ago.

As I say, the rule of law is the foundation of our prosperity.

Within the multilateral system - at the UN, at the EU, at the OECD, and the Council of Europe and other multilateral bodies - our engagement is shaped by our commitment to human rights.

And this will continue as we assume the Presidency of the Council of the EU, and as we campaign for membership of the UN Human Rights Council.

Ireland is unwavering in our support for the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as for the independence and integrity of the European Court of Human Rights.

The European Convention system remains an essential safeguard of the Good Friday Agreement, and as a Government, we are dedicated to its protection.

Our commitment to these vital institutions of the Council of Europe is demonstrated by our continued strong engagement through the many Irish citizens serving in a variety of key roles.

It is also demonstrated through our financial contributions, in support of the Court, through our diplomatic activity, and through strong relationships with the Council's leadership, including Secretary General Berset, who I welcomed to Iveagh House in recent weeks. And I want to compliment Judge Úna Ní Raifeartaigh, who was my lecturer in college, and who is one in a long line of Irish judges doing an excellent job in Strasbourg.

That notwithstanding and always with a mind to promoting effective multilateralism, we cannot overlook contemporary challenges as they have arisen over the years.

Several member states of the Council of Europe, including Ireland, while fully respecting the integrity of the ECHR, have concerns about ensuring a migration system that is fair and effective.

And we are completely committed to efforts to address these concerns by constructively engaging with other Council of Europe member states, with a view to achieving a political declaration that delivers both full consensus and is fully consistent with the Convention, as well as safeguarding the independence of the European Court of Human Rights.

In this current global climate, we can no longer take our human rights for granted.

An 'anti-rights agenda' is on the rise, threatening the progress and gains of battles long fought and hard won.

We see this at home, and we see this globally.

We cannot look away.

And we won't look away.

There has never been a time of greater challenge to ensuring that the promise of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted with such great hope just over 70 years ago, is upheld.

Now more than ever, this promise must be placed at the centre of the international agenda.

If elected to the Human Rights Council, Ireland will prioritise supporting the role of civil society and human rights defenders at a time when they are coming under more threat and pressure, around the world.

We will continue to champion women's rights and gender equality in all situations and circumstances.

We will continue to tirelessly defend the rights of LGBTQI+ persons.

We will bring renewed attention to the most basic of human needs, the fundamental right to adequate food, informed by our own history as a nation, once blighted by famine.

And we bring a strong focus to the rights of persons with disabilities in conflict.

With fellow UN Member States, and members across the Human Rights Council, we will engage openly and constructively, if elected, bringing our consistent, committed voice on human rights.

Ireland's path is clear, because our priorities and principles are consistent.

On or off the Human Rights Council, we will continue to be a voice for our values. We will continue to stand up for those who need our support.

Because that is who we are.

Nowhere is the absolute necessity of human rights more evident than when we consider the atrocities of conflict and the scourge of humanitarian crises that exist in their absence.

And we must never allow the laws designed to protect us to be undermined through illegal wars and unimaginable cruelty wreaked on civilians.

Even though it may be seriously breached, breaches do not change the law unless we acquiesce in those breaches.

And we do not.

We see this in Ukraine, where Russia's unprovoked and illegal war of aggression enters its fifth year.

Europe has united in opposition to it.

While it is within Russia's power to end this conflict, instead of engaging seriously in peace negotiations, it continues even today its brutal aggression.

Having failed on the battlefield, Russia chooses now to deliberately target Ukraine's civilians and critical infrastructure. And now, of course, they are threatening diplomats.

During my visit to Kyiv in March, I witnessed how Ukrainians live under the constant threat of deadly Russian attacks.

And even in these challenging circumstances, the Ukrainian people and their leaders and officials continue to work towards a peaceful and prosperous future in the EU.

As they fight not only for Ukraine's survival, but in defence of European security and European values.

Values that we too hold dear here in Ireland: respect for sovereignty, human dignity, and the rule of law.

On my visit to Kyiv, I was proud to underline Ireland's unwavering commitment to Ukraine - we will stand with the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes.

And during our EU presidency, we will prioritise our steadfast support for Ukraine as it continues on its path to EU membership, and we will continue to increase the pressure on Russia to end its brutal war.

We do this, because it is right.

We do this, because, in supporting Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, we are supporting European security, as well as the values we hold dear, and the people and their rights.

We see this in the Middle East, which in recent years has suffered from what often seems like relentless war and instability.

The US-Israel-Iran war has brought on an unprecedented crisis for both the region and the global economy, whilst the brutal scenes from Lebanon brings to mind the horror and destruction we have so recently witnessed in Gaza.

I am also deeply mindful of Irish Defence Forces personnel, and all peacekeepers, currently serving under the UNIFIL mandate, and I want to commend them for their service in the work of peace. My recent meeting with my French counterpart started with an expression of condolences for the recent death of French peacekeepers. We have lost our own peacekeepers as well over the years.

Diplomacy matters now more than ever.

We hope that that talks between the US and Iran, as well as Lebanon and Israel, will continue and that progress can be made to allow all parties to build meaningful and lasting peace and security.

As for Iran's unwarranted attacks on neighbouring Gulf countries, which have sparked a major consular crisis and have brought the realities of conflict close to home, Ireland utterly condemns such actions.

The economic impacts of closure of the Strait of Hormuz have a global reach, one that is already felt directly here in Ireland.

We have also condemned both Hezbollah's attacks on Israel, and Israel's wholly disproportionate response.

For many, the scale of death and destruction has prompted questions about the status and relevance of the international legal order.

For Ireland, this only demonstrates why now more than ever, even when it's difficult, we must uphold the principles of the UN Charter.

Dialogue and diplomacy can offer the best path to a lasting solution, one that can permanently end the violence, and ensure regional security.

As the attention of the world focuses on the wider conflict in the Middle East, we cannot let Palestine and its people be yet another casualty of this war.

Nor can we lose sight of the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

We will continue to press for appropriate EU action in response to these continued breaches by Israel in clear violation of human rights and democratic principles that the people are entitled to.

Ireland stands ready to play our part in working towards a sustainable peace between Israel and Palestine; and our fundamental policy is the two-State solution.

In Sudan, we see a conflict marked by inconceivable suffering, now entering its fourth year, which remains the world's worst humanitarian and protection crisis.

The conflict is not receiving the attention it merits. There are Dáil deputies who have raised and continue to raise this issue at a higher level. And it has been raised at the Foreign Affairs Council and at Leaders' level. Those responsible for these horrific atrocities cannot be allowed to escape accountability.

Ireland is committed to ensuring that the dire situation in Sudan is not allowed to fall off the international agenda. We will keep raising it at every possible international forum.

A chairde,

This is an era that risks being characterised as a return to 'might is right'.

Not only are we witnessing levels of war and violence, unprecedented in recent years, but conflicts are becoming more internationalised, less likely to end through peace agreements. You can see this clearly through the interconnections between Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine and events in Iran.

As the post-war international legal order, the peace and security architecture inscribed in the UN system, is challenged, it is people - civilians - who pay the ultimate price.

Death and displacement. Violence and insecurity.

Too often, it is women and girls who suffer most. Facing the brutality of sexual violence.

Exposed to life-threatening vulnerabilities, when maternal healthcare is disrupted.

Living under unacceptable restrictions, imposed by regimes that deny their fundamental human rights.

The shocking cruelty seen in Ukraine, the Middle East, Sudan and other places is inevitable in a world where international law and the UN charter are ignored and politicised.

Collectively, we built the multilateral system.

We wanted to create peaceful futures.

We wanted to ensure stability.

We wanted to protect humanity from war crimes and genocide.

And in these times of conflict and crises, we must continue to commit, collectively.

To uphold international law.

To defend universal human rights.

We must maintain multilateralism.

We remain deeply committed to the wider multilateral system.

The UN and EU remain the twin cornerstones of our foreign policy.

From its inception, across the globe, the UN and its institutions have made great progress in fostering peace and preventing conflict.

The system is far from perfect - with lots of conflicts, lots of injustices and tragedies still occurring.

Ireland supports the UN80 process.

The Taoiseach, and the Government have repeatedly called for a reformed Security Council - one which is more representative of all member states.

But the UN must be empowered, and enabled, by member states for reform to be meaningful.

Be it in New York or Geneva, Ireland has been, and will continue to be, at the forefront of creating space for that to happen.

In an era of growing geopolitical challenges, attacks on multilateralism and decreased funding, Ireland remains committed to a strong and effective UN, and this will remain a primary objective of our foreign policy. I can say from personal experience that, speaking at UN, global, and multinational fora is one of the proudest things you can do as an Irish Minister or an Irish diplomat.

In just over 50 days, Ireland will assume the EU Presidency.

The other twin cornerstone of our foreign policy is our EU membership.

A successful peace project without precedent, John Hume called the EU:

"the best example, in the history of the world, of conflict resolution."

I recently reminded Secretary General Berset that Ireland's Peace Process was imagined in Strasbourg, when John Hume stood on the bridge between France and Germany and said that "if you can have peace here, you can have peace in Ireland".

Ireland's EU membership has proved a catalyst for economic development and positive social change - the bedrock of the prosperity we enjoy.

And I welcome the publication of this week's poll, by EMI, demonstrating strong support for our EU membership - standing at one of the highest levels of support, within the EU, at 82%.

As we take on the EU Presidency, we will have the opportunity to shape the future European agenda in a way that drives innovation, prosperity, and security for the benefit of people across Europe.

Our approach will be founded on the three pillars set out in the EU's Strategic agenda - competitiveness, values and security.

The founding values of the EU will be at the core of our work, within the EU and internationally, while maintaining the EU's role as a principled global actor - supporting democracy, multilateralism, and the international legal order.

As European Affairs Minister, I will have to progress a number of priority files, while chairing the General Affairs Council between July and December, including the negotiations on the next long-term EU budget, the simplification agenda, and EU enlargement. We see a number of different countries seeking EU membership. Always the rule of law and human rights are absolute prerequisites to joining the EU.

It is of the utmost importance that Ireland's EU Presidency enables the EU not only to be a force of transformational change for its people but also, in a time of conflict and crises, to be a voice in the world for multilateralism. And it is. We might not agree with everything the EU does, but we can vote politicians in and out. People will come and go, but it is the institutions and structures, we really have to protect.

Every year, a representative of the Government is invited to attend and speak at this esteemed gathering.

Many who have gone before have spoken of the need to uphold multilateralism, the international legal order, and human rights.

And it is striking, even as world events overtake us, the message broadly remains the same, because it has to remain the same. It's the law in this country.

This is because it is our values that the law is based on, and the value that we place on multilateralism, that are unchanged.

This consistency speaks to the firmness of our resolve, the strength in our foundation - and above all else - even as the world turns and as conflicts continue, the confidence we have in our convictions. That there is a certain way to behave yourself on the world stage.

Thank you.