Explanation of Vote - DPRK
Statement
26 May 2022
Thank you Madam President. I wish to deliver an explanation of vote regarding Ireland’s position on this issue.
Ireland voted in favour of today’s draft resolution regarding the launch of an ICBM by the DPRK in contravention of Council Resolutions.
The DPRK’s actions threaten peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and the wider region, as well as undermining the global disarmament and non-proliferation framework. Given the DPRK’s continued destabilizing activities, this Council must be clear, determined and united in answering the DPRK’s actions. The Resolution is a necessary and balanced response by Council.
It is deeply regrettable that this Resolution has been blocked, in the face of such clear violations of Council Resolutions, and given the Council’s earlier decision, under Resolution 2397, that it would take action should the DPRK conduct further ICBM launches. This sends a deeply negative message regarding the Council’s willingness to uphold its own Resolutions, as well as regarding global disarmament and non-proliferation objectives. It undermines the aim of complete, verifiable, irreversible denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.
The use of the veto to block Council action on this draft resolution is deeply regrettable, as indeed it is whenever it occurs. We know that our frustration is shared by the wider UN membership, as demonstrated in the consensus adoption of the ‘veto initiative’ Resolution by the General Assembly in April. We look forward to the swift issuance of a Special Report by the Security Council in accordance with Article 24(3) of the Charter.
Madam President, in concluding I wanted to repeat that Ireland has long called for an end to the use of the veto, and for the reform of this Security Council. We reiterate that call today.
Thank you.