Support for a rules-based international order, with the UN at its centre, is a fundamental element of Ireland’s foreign policy.  Ireland, at the UN, seeks to promote effective international action on a range of global issues such as peace and security, disarmament, development, humanitarian action, and human rights.  As part of this commitment to effective multilateralism, Ireland often seeks membership of various bodies in the UN system. Ireland held a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the period 2001-2002 and will be seeking non-permanent membership again in 2020, for the term 2021-22.  Ireland will also be seeking election to the Human Rights Council in 2012, and since 1 January 2012 serves on the Economic and Social Council.

Where possible, Ireland also nominates individuals for election to independent expert level bodies in the UN system.  Currently, Prof. Michael O’Flaherty is a member on the Human Rights Committee, Mr. Peter Croker is a member on the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf while Ms. Anastacia Crickley serves on the Committee on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD).