Mary Robinson applauded for raising Chicago’s soaring murder rate during award ceremony

Former President of Ireland Mary Robinson was applauded by Chicago councillors when she raised the issue of the city’s soaring murder rate during a ceremony to award her with Chicago’s Medal of Merit.

In what should have been a mere diplomatic function, the former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights instead highlighted the 50 percent rise in homicides and shootings as a matter of both human rights and sustainability.

And she drew applause for doing so in a city where the murder rate is expected to top 750 this year.

She declared: “I don’t need to tell you that there is a blot on the landscape here in Chicago in the very high murder rate. But, perhaps it has not been seen sufficiently as an issue of social inclusion and sustainability, rather than just as an issue of criminal law, gangs and policing.

“It is an issue of sustainability. It is part of the social sustainability of Chicago. I would encourage you to look at the poverty and inclusion elements of this very serious problem and to see it in terms of something to tackle in order that Chicago continues to give that leadership on sustainability. To look at it through that lens.”

She added: “You can see that, as a former UN high commissioner for human rights, I don’t dodge tough issues wherever I am.”

Proud Irish-American Alderman Matt O’Shea said he was neither surprised nor embarrassed that Mrs Robinson had raised the issue.

He told The Chicago Sun Times: “It’s being mentioned everywhere. It’s there. Let’s address it.”

“Let’s deal with it. Let’s not run from it.”