Micheál Martin has slammed the UN Security Council Ireland is a member of, saying he is “deeply frustrated” at its “failure to act” on climate action and hunger.
The Taoiseach made his comments during a keynote address to the United Nations Assembly in New York city on Thursday night.
He also used his speech to brand Russia “a rogue State” over its invasion of Ukraine.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Simon Coveney, contributed to a debate earlier in the day on the war in Ukraine too.
Mr Coveney hit back at claims of Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, who said that the war crimes and atrocities committed by Russian forces at Bucha in April were fabricated.
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Mr Coveney blasted what he called “more disinformation” from the top Russian politician.
The Taoiseach spoke before the General Assembly of 193 world leaders at 9:45pm last night.
He said in his National Address: “President, Excellencies, we have been encouraged by these successes (of the UN), incremental though some of them are.
“But at times we have also been deeply frustrated by the Security Council’s failure to act.
“A year ago, I stood before you and spoke of our ambition for the Council to adopt a resolution on Climate and Security.
“Along with Niger, we worked tirelessly to craft a resolution that reflected the reality that climate change is increasingly driving insecurity and acting as a threat multiplier.
“We challenged the Council to take on its responsibilities to address the impact of climate change on international peace and security.
“One hundred and thirteen countries – one hundred and thirteen of the Members of this Assembly – supported us in our efforts.
“One country - Russia - vetoed these efforts.
“It frankly beggars belief that, in 2022, the UN body charged with the maintenance of peace and security, has still not taken on its responsibilities in this area.
“It is a singular failure of political will and political responsibility.
Mr Martin added on Russia: “We see President Putin plan sham referenda in eastern Ukraine, aimed at forcibly changing Ukraine’s borders, in clear violation of the UN Charter.
“We have to name what we are seeing.
“These actions, taken collectively, show Russia behaving as a rogue state.”
Mr Coveney talked to Irish reporters before flying home to Ireland last night.
He said: “What we heard from Minister Lavrov was more Russian disinformation.
“When I visited Kiev and Bucha in April, certainly what I saw wasn’t a fabrication
“And I think that in time we will see the International Criminal Court make very clear their determinations in terms of the accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
“My contribution today was about holding Russia to account, setting the standard that Russia should be held to on the basis of the UN Charter which is clearly being breached on multiple levels.”
In response, Mr Lavrov accused western leaders like Mr Coveney of lying to the world.
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