Press release
Minister Coveney addresses the UN Security Council on the issue of mines
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney TD, today spoke at the UN Security Council Open Debate on mine action and sustaining peace. He welcomed the agreement by the Council of a Presidential Statement on mine action to mark the occasion.
Addressing the online meeting of the Council, Minister Coveney highlighted the threat posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war:
"Mines claim a victim almost every hour of every day, threatening the poorest communities and affecting their rhythm of life. They undermine post-conflict recovery, and restrict vital opportunities for development."
The Minister emphasised the need to redouble efforts to put an end to the civilian harm caused by mines and address the consequences of their use, and called for the international community to live up to its existing commitments and obligations:
"Ireland emphasises the enduring validity of Resolution 2365. This Resolution, and the UN Mine Action Strategy, make clear the need for continued engagement and leadership by States, and for sustained financial support."
Minister Coveney highlighted Ireland’s longstanding commitment and support to humanitarian mine action, and the importance of ensuring that the diverse needs of all people in affected communities are taken into account.
The Minister also stated that “we must recognise the contribution that peacekeepers make to demining efforts” and acknowledged the contribution of the Irish Defence Forces.
Concluding, the Minister recalled that:
"Ireland remains firm in our belief that the vision of a mine-free world is achievable, and within our reach."
Ireland is a longstanding supporter of humanitarian mine action and has contributed over €49 million in funding to demining programmes in 17 countries since 2006.
This meeting, chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Bùi Thanh Sơn, is a signature event of Vietnam’s Presidency of the Council in the month of April. The Council agreed a Presidential Statement on mine action to mark the occasion.
Briefings were provided by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres; Daniel Craig, UN Global Advocate for the Elimination of Mines and Explosive Hazards; Ambassador Stefano Toscano, Director of the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining; and Nguyen Thi Dieu Linh, Provincial Programme Manager and Manager of Project RENEW at Norwegian People's Aid Viet Nam.
UN Security Council Resolution 2365 on mine action was adopted by the Security Council on 30 June 2017.
The meeting is available to view on UN Web TV: http://webtv.un.org/