President marks International Women’s Day with call for peace
Catherine Connolly has marked International Women’s Day by issuing a strong statement on global conflict and the importance of upholding international law, amid growing tensions in the Middle East.
In her message, President Connolly warned that the catastrophic consequences of violating the United Nations Charter cannot be ignored, stressing that the world cannot remain silent in the face of breaches of international law.
The statement was released as part of Ireland’s recognition of International Women’s Day, a global occasion that highlights the achievements of women while also reflecting on wider social and humanitarian issues.
Violations of international law “shocking and numbing”
In her remarks, the President described recent developments in the Middle East as deeply troubling and said the international community must not turn away from what is happening.
“The violations of international law we are witnessing are shocking and numbing, but we cannot afford inaction.”
She added that the events unfolding in recent days should be clearly recognised for what they represent.
“What we have witnessed in recent days in the Middle East, and beyond, are not political disputes. They are deliberate assaults on international law, the international laws that have underpinned global peace for eighty years. We must name them as such, without euphemism and without equivocation.”
Ireland’s role in supporting peace
President Connolly also highlighted Ireland’s long-standing role in international peacekeeping and diplomacy, noting that the country has maintained an unbroken record of overseas peacekeeping since 1958.
She said Ireland’s decades-long commitment to disarmament and non-proliferation demonstrates the positive influence that smaller nations can have on global affairs.
“Our unbroken record of international peacekeeping since 1958, and our decades of commitment to disarmament and non-proliferation, stand as testament to the disproportionate influence a small, neutral state can wield when it acts with integrity and purpose.”
The President added that Ireland’s own history — including colonisation, famine and the peaceful resolution of conflict in Northern Ireland — places a responsibility on the country to speak openly about violations of international law.
Constitution commits Ireland to peace
In her statement, President Connolly also pointed to Article 29 of the Constitution of Ireland, which outlines the country’s commitment to peace and cooperation between nations.
The article states that:
- Ireland affirms its devotion to the ideal of peace and friendly cooperation among nations founded on international justice and morality.
- Ireland supports the peaceful settlement of international disputes through arbitration or judicial determination.
- Ireland accepts the generally recognised principles of international law in its relations with other states.
According to the President, these commitments remain central to Ireland’s approach to global relations.
Reflecting on International Women’s Day
Concluding her message, President Connolly urged people to reflect on Ireland’s constitutional commitment to peace and the importance of supporting international institutions working to resolve conflict.
She called for renewed support for the United Nations and others working to build peace at a time when, she said, language is sometimes used to justify or normalise war.
“On International Women’s Day, let us reflect on these solemn commitments which we have made in our nation’s Constitution and take every action we can to support the United Nations and all those working to build peace in a time when so many distort language to justify and normalise war.”
International Women’s Day is marked annually on March 8, recognising the achievements of women worldwide while also highlighting issues such as equality, peace and social justice.
