The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin TD, has today announced Ireland’s endorsement of the non-legally binding Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism and the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s non-legally binding working definition of antisemitism.
This decision has been taken in the context of Ireland’s longstanding commitment to supporting freedom of religion or belief, equality and non-discrimination.
This commitment has been expressed over many years, including at the UN and the OSCE and as a member of the EU. Ireland is also a long standing member of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. These issues are an integral part of Ireland’s human rights policy work.
At a time when we are witnessing a global rise in intolerance and antisemitism, combatting antisemitism is an increasingly important and visible part of this work.
The Tánaiste said: “Ireland is committed to countering the scourge of racism and hatred and to promoting the values of equality, inclusiveness and the full respect of human rights. Combatting antisemitism is an increasingly important and visible part of this work. I have been deeply concerned at the current trend of a global rise in antisemitism, both online and offline. The Government takes this issue seriously and we will continue to tackle all forms of discrimination. I believe the step taken today will be an important contribution to these efforts. We will also continue our close relationship with the Jewish community in Ireland and ensure that their concerns are heard.”
Today’s endorsements complement Ireland’s robust anti-discrimination legislation, including the National Action Plan against Racism which seeks to address a wide range of issues which affect minorities.
