UN Headquarters, New York — In a powerful national address to the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Taoiseach Micheál Martin reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to human rights, multilateralism, and international law, while sharply criticising global inaction in crises from Sudan to Gaza. Framed by historic lessons from World War II, Martin’s speech was both a defense of the UN Charter and a condemnation of ongoing atrocities across multiple regions.
Human Rights: “Pushback Must Be Resisted”
Martin denounced the accelerating erosion of human rights norms, citing specific regressions in gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and the treatment of women under the Taliban in Afghanistan. Ireland, he said, will continue resisting “all attempts to dilute international commitments,” and announced its candidacy for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council (2027–2029).
“We reaffirm our commitment to the universal and individual nature of human rights,” he stated firmly.
Conflict and Peacekeeping: “Conflict Is Human Failure”
Reflecting on Ireland’s legacy of conflict and peace, particularly in Northern Ireland, Martin described war as a failure that devastates societies and futures. He highlighted Ireland’s ongoing contributions to UN peacekeeping, particularly with UNIFIL in Lebanon, and underscored the need for international backing to continue such efforts.
“The scars of conflict can take generations to heal—we know this from experience.”
Sudan: “The World Has Failed”
The Taoiseach delivered a stinging rebuke of the international community’s indifference to the humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan, where over 150,000 have died and 12 million displaced. He called for increased pressure on the warring parties and urged that war crimes be prosecuted under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.
“To our collective shame, we have not given this most destructive of wars the same attention as others. A child in Sudan is worth the same as any other.”
Ukraine: “Russia Must Be Held to Account”
On Ukraine, Martin condemned Russia’s invasion as a flagrant violation of the UN Charter and international norms, calling out war crimes, environmental destruction, and the abduction of children. He reaffirmed Ireland’s full alignment with the EU, support for Ukrainian sovereignty, and advocacy for accelerated EU membership.
“We will stand with Ukraine, shoulder-to-shoulder, for as long as it takes.”
Middle East: “What Is Happening in Gaza Is Genocide”
In his most forceful remarks, Martin condemned Israel’s conduct in Gaza, citing findings by the UN Commission of Inquiry that labelled Israel’s actions as genocide. He described starvation, civilian targeting, and infrastructure destruction as “an affront to human dignity”, and accused states supplying arms to Israel of complicity.
He stressed Ireland’s recognition of the State of Palestine, its intervention in the ICJ genocide case, and legislative action against goods from occupied territories. He also addressed Hamas’ war crimes but insisted they “do not justify genocide.”
“Neutrality in the face of genocide is complicity. There cannot be business as usual.”
Conclusion: “The UN Must Not Falter”
Martin closed by asserting the continued relevance of the UN and warning that its failure would represent not institutional obsolescence but “a failure of leadership.” He called for urgent reform to reflect modern realities and paid tribute to UN Secretary-General António Guterres for his leadership.
“Let us reaffirm our faith in fundamental human rights, the dignity and worth of each person, and a world of ever-larger freedom.”
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