Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan today (Monday 9 August) participated in the first signature event of India’s UN Security Council presidency and has welcomed the agreement by the Council of a Presidential Statement on maritime security to mark the occasion.
The Open Debate, focusing on the issue of maritime security, was chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the debate, Minister Ryan underlined the importance of securing our seas.
“The free and peaceful use of the seas and oceans is vital for us all, not least for island nations such as Ireland,” the minister said. “Delivering on this objective means that the seas remain a resource for all nations, as well as a medium for interconnectivity and mutual understanding.”
Minister Ryan spoke about the centrality of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which sets out rights and duties for coastal states and is central to the peaceful settlement of maritime disputes. He called on those states who have not yet ratified or acceded to UNCLOS to consider doing so now.
“Ensuring respect for this landmark Convention is critical for maritime security, as it settles rules for the mutual benefit of all states,” he said.
“To address maritime security effectively, we need a comprehensive approach that addresses all aspects — efforts to counter transnational crime at sea, including piracy; the freedom of navigation; the protection of the marine environment and the safeguarding of the oceans’ resources.”
Minister Ryan also highlighted Ireland’s contribution to this area, including through the EU and its maritime operations and related missions.
“As a committed troop-contributing country, to both UN and EU peacekeeping and crisis management operations, Ireland is very aware that efforts to preserve peace and international security have to take account of the maritime context,” he said.
The minister underlined that global cooperation is essential to safeguard our seas against increasing threats and security challenges, particularly in the COVID-19 context. He also stressed the importance of protecting our seas and oceans from climate change and other environmental threats.
In concluding, Minister Ryan noted that it is “our global responsibility” to protect the oceans — a “resource that sustains so many of us”.
