The Irish Influence in Building the League of Nations and the International Labour Organization is told in a book by author Gerry Finnegan published in December 2023. It traces the careers and legacies of these two contrasting diplomats who played a significant role in the development of international relations and multilateralism in the twentieth century. Sean Lester was an important actor in the League of Nations, rising to become Secretary-General. He led the organization in its most difficult years during World War II. Edward Phelan joined the International Labour Organization as the first ‘international civil servant’ and became Director-General. Both were committed citizens of Ireland and international peace-builders. Their legacy is testament to the Irish influence in the politics of international institutions.
From its earliest years in the League of Nations, Ireland advocated a peaceful world order and the settlement of international disputes by peaceful means. These were the key goals of the League and Ireland knew that, as a small state which lacked great and economic power, membership of a group of like-minded states such as the young League of Nations, was its best chance of surviving, and thriving, on the world stage. Published Hamilton books tell their story.**
UN Human Rights Council
In November 2012 Ireland was elected to the Human Rights Council for a three-year term that began on 1 January 2013. The election was the result of extensive diplomatic efforts at the United Nations in New York and in capitals across the world and recognition of Ireland’s good standing in the area of international human rights advocacy. Ireland’s three-year membership came to an end on 31 December 2015. While a member of the Council, Ireland focused on human rights situation in individual countries, as well as a number of thematic priorities such as ensuring the rights of LGBIT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex) persons, the rights of the child, protection of human rights defenders, freedom of religion or belief and internet freedom.
Ireland also led two national initiatives at the Council, the first on then protection of civil society space and the second on preventable morbidity and mortality of children under five. Advancing these initiatives was chief amongst Ireland’s priorities as a member of the Council. Ireland continues to engage in work at the Council as an observer State, including in relation to these two initiatives.
As the world’s only truly universal organization the United Nations has become the foremost forum to address issues that transcend national boundaries and cannot be resolved by any one country alone. Since its creation more than eighty former colonies have gained their independence while others have joined since. Over time its Departments and Offices retain key documents such as the UN Charter, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Convention of the Rights of the Child, Statute of the International Court of Justice, Annual Report of the Secretary-General on the Work of the Organisation. Its global reach covers News and Media, Observances, Issues, Campaigns, Sustainable Development Goals, Our Common Agenda. All are held under strict copyright protection governing their terms of use.
UN Secretary-General
On 1 May 2026 the UN Secretary-General recalled his visit in 2023 to Lumbini, the birth and passing place also of the Buddha. He emphasised the antidote that lies in the Buddha’s enduring teaching of non-violence, compassion and service to others. He called on all people to come together in a spirit of humanity to build the peaceful and sustainable world we all deserve. Lumbini is a sacred pilgrimage place. An archaeological treasure it is also a UNESCO world heritage site.
Note: Acknowledgement is given to the historical sources used and assistance given in preparation of this text. It includes a brochure titled Ireland Candidate for the United Nations Human Rights Council 2027-2029. Back cover displays an image of the Human Rights Defenders Monument, Iveagh Gardens, Dublin. **Sean Lester The Guardian of a Small Flickering Light by Marit Fosse and John Fox. ON AN EQUAL FOOTING WITH ALL Ireland at the League of Nations 1923-1946 by John Gibney, Michael Kennedy, and Zoe Reid … a ‘visual history of the first multinational organisation that independent Ireland joined’.
