UN General Assembly
2011

A deep attachment to the values of freedom and equality and other core human rights principles underpins our candidature for election to the Human Rights Council at the elections to be held in 2012. If elected, we look forward to making a strong contribution to the work of enhancing the Council’s performance and promoting respect for human rights worldwide. We will continue to push for the disarmament machinery of the United Nations to become more responsive to twenty-first century imperatives. Key challenges for the year ahead include the implementation of the agreements reached at last year’s Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference, as well as the negotiation of a robust arms trade treaty. We will maintain a strong focus on the implementation and universalization of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, adopted in Dublin three years ago. Regional organizations have always been vital partners for the United Nations in the areas of peace, security and conflict resolution. Next year, Ireland will chair the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). We look forward to making our