Focus on EU-Africa relations The Irish Presidency placed a particular emphasis on the development and strengthening of EU-Africa relations, in the context of preparations for next year’s EU-Africa Summit and review of the Joint Africa-EU Strategy. The Presidency prioritised efforts to find a solution to the deteriorating security situation in Mali. This included the hosting of a meeting of EU Development Ministers in Dublin in February, at which a decision was taken to resume EU development cooperation assistance.
Ensuring that the EU speaks with one voice to strengthen its positive role in international organisations Working with the EEAS to promote greater effectiveness and coherence in EU external polices with the UN and other multilateral organisations, was a priority for the Irish Presidency. In the context of Ireland’s current membership of the UN Human Rights Council, the Presidency sought to ensure the EU’s effective engagement on human rights issues. This included working closely with the EU delegation in Geneva to ensure the adoption of four EU-led resolutions – on the DPR Korea, Myanmar/Burma, Freedom of Religion or Belief and the Rights of the Child – at the 22nd session of the Human Rights Council. Ireland led the EU engagement in negotiations at the 57th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, resulting in the successful adoption of Agreed Conclusions on the elimination and prevention of violence against women and girls.
Promoting peace, disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons As Presidency, Ireland helped to shape EU policies and positions in respect of key disarmament and non-proliferation discussions, including at the Third Review Conference of the Chemical Weapons Convention in The Hague in April. The Presidency also worked closely with the EEAS during the negotiations at the UN in March on an Arms Trade Treaty, which was successfully adopted on 2 April in New York.
Promoting human rights The Presidency worked to advance the human rights agenda including the effective implementation of the EU Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Human Rights. Three sets of human rights guidelines were adopted by the 52
Report of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union