Overview
Ireland's commitment to international peace and security is informed by our strong commitment to multilateralism, the rule of law, the international rules-based system and the pacific settlement of disputes.
It is also based on our longstanding policy of military neutrality, our experience of The Troubles on the island of Ireland and a desire to offer our distinctive contribution to building sustainable peace and resolving conflict abroad.
The UN Charter calls on the United Nations to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security. This is a key priority for Ireland. Our work towards this goal is informed by our a desire to offer our distinctive contribution to building sustainable peace and resolving conflict abroad; and the distinguished contribution of our Defence Forces and Garda Síochána to UN peacekeeping missions.
Peacekeeping
We have had a continuous presence in UN peacekeeping since our first deployment in 1958 and currently we are the fifth largest EU troop contributor to UN peacekeeping operations. We have also become increasingly engaged in discussions on UN peacekeeping policy. In statements delivered at the Security Council we have, for example, defended more robust UN peacekeeping approaches in certain circumstances, and called for greater use of modern technology by peacekeeping missions, including unarmed unmanned aerial vehicles. We have also welcomed greater regional participation in peacekeeping operations as a concrete expression of the sharing of a collective security burden. Ireland continues to support UN capacity building, including in the areas of training, equipment and research.
Women, Peace and Security
Ireland is also a leading advocate for strengthening women’s participation and leadership in peacebuilding.
During Ireland’s 2021-2022 term on the UN Security Council, Ireland and Mexico were co-chairs of the Informal Expert Group on Women, Peace and Security. Ahead of our Presidency of the Council we developed the ‘WPS Shared Commitments’ Trio Initiative, which have been taken up by fifteen UNSC members in total.
Disarmament
Ireland is committed to working to achieve a more peaceful, secure and prosperous world. We recognise that the spread of weapons fuels conflict, contributes to human rights abuses and hinders development. Promoting disarmament, therefore, is a signature foreign policy for Ireland and builds upon Ireland's historic legacy in this area.