National Statement delivered by Minister Roderic O'Gorman, T.D., OSCE Ministerial Council 2022
Statement
01 December 2022Mr. Chair, Dear Minister Rau,
Ireland fully aligns with the statement made by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union. These remarks are made in our national capacity.
Minister Rau, let me extend our appreciation to you and the entire Polish team for your leadership and tireless work this year. We are also indebted to OSCE Secretary General, Helga Schmid for her dedication and unstinting efforts to address current challenges facing the OSCE. I wish to welcome the next Chair-in-Office, Mr Bujar Osmani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia, and to assure him and his team of our full support.
At the outset of your term as Chair-in-Office, Minister Rau, you emphasised that the OSCE is not merely a platform for cooperation of 57 participating states but a common commitment to our people and to each other to build peace and a future without conflict. Due to Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Ukraine, fundamental commitments set out in the Helsinki Final act are being blatantly undermined. Too many have been killed or injured or have seen their homes destroyed. We have seen reports of widespread sexual and gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence, committed by Russia’s forces. Ukrainian citizens are grappling with an unacceptable lack of reliable access to water, heat, electricity and other basic services due to unconscionable attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. Ukrainian nuclear facilities have also been targeted showing utter disregard for nuclear safety. Ireland condemns Russia’s heinous attacks in the strongest possible terms. Those responsible must be held to account.
We are particularly concerned for the most vulnerable. Refugees, internally displaced and stateless persons, particularly women and children, face an increased risk of exploitation and trafficking. We commend OSCE work to address these issues.
As Ireland’s Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, I have seen first-hand the difficulties faced by the more than 65,000 Ukrainian citizens who have had to flee to Ireland to escape the war in Ukraine, leaving lives and loved ones behind. I have also witnessed their remarkable resolve and determination in the face of brutal adversity. Ireland stands with them today, as always.
Regrettably, the people of Ukraine are not the only citizens of the OSCE region affected by conflict. Continued engagement, including by the OSCE, is essential to resolve these conflicts. A comprehensive approach to security requires that all aspects of security must be addressed. Key to this is ensuring the full, equal and meaningful participation of women, a clear commitment to gender equality and a gender-responsive approach in all our work.
Mr Chair,
Ireland wishes to thank Poland for hosting the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference in the Autumn which provided an important opportunity for engagement with civil society. Civil society makes a vital contribution to conflict prevention and peacebuilding, and we must work to support a vibrant and robust civil society across the OSCE area.
Ireland’s support for the OSCE remains steadfast. For the organisation to thrive, it needs an approved budget. Zero nominal growth is no longer workable. The OSCE is an organisation of high value which delivers good value for money. To succeed, it must be properly resourced.
Thank you, Mr Chair.