Tánaiste Simon Harris is today in New York to mark the start of Ireland’s campaign for membership of the HRC for the 2027-2029 term.

Mr Harris, the minister of foreign affairs and trade, will tell a high level event that an “anti-rights agenda” is on the rise but that Ireland will not be silent in the face of these challenges.

While we are facing “a crisis of confidence in the UN system”, he will say there has “never has there been a greater need for the international human rights system”.

He will also say that Ireland will “continue to be a friend, an advocate and a vigorous voice for those who defend human rights around the world”.

Speaking in advance of the event, Mr Harris said: “Ireland has long been a champion of human rights and I am delighted that we are going forward again for election to the UN Human Rights Council.

“We are motivated by the need to protect and champion the multilateral system and human rights at a time when they are under great strain; to uphold the universality and indivisibility of human rights and the principle of non-discrimination; the need for accountability at the international level; and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“We will have five thematic priorities for our campaign, which will continue into our membership, if elected: to support civil society space and human rights defenders; to champion women’s rights and gender equality; to defend the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons; to call attention to the most basic right to adequate food; and, to bring a strong focus to the rights of persons with disabilities in conflict. Each of these themes can contribute to a better future, recognising the rights of children and youth in securing that future.

“The universal nature of human rights and the principle that every person is equally and inherently entitled to their rights, is the cornerstone of the international human rights regime. These core values and our priority themes will be at the heart of our campaign, and I hope, our term on the Human Rights Council if elected.”

The election for the Human Rights Council will be held in October 2026 and, if elected, Ireland’s three-year term will begin in January 2027.