Updated / Saturday, 17 May 2025 15:00
President Michael D Higgins said hunger is being used as an 'instrument of war'By Sandra Hurley
Political Reporter
President Michael D Higgins has accused the United Nations Security Council of failing "again and again" by not dealing with current famines including what he called the "forced starvation" of the people of Gaza.
Speaking at the National Famine Commemoration in Co Limerick, President Higgins said that the population of Gaza is being subjected to "forced starvation" where hunger is being used as "an instrument of war".
In off script remarks, President Higgins called on the UN General Assembly to speak and act on the issue of famine if the Security Council refuses to do so.
He said: "When the Security Council fails us as it does again and again, in responding to what I have been describing as the current conditions, we must return to the exceptional measures that are available to us that I remember discussing at the time of the Iraq war, that are available from the General Assembly.
"The General Assembly must speak and act if in fact the Security Council refuses to deal with terrible famines that are now facing us."
Watch: President says UN General Assembly must speak and act on issue of famine
President Higgins said that in Gaza, trucks with food, medicine and water are blocked at three entry points and this included aid from Ireland.
The President cited the comments of UN Secretary General António Guterres saying "as aid dries up, the floodgates of horror have re-opened. Gaza is a killing field – and civilians are in an endless death loop."
President Higgins also mentioned the response of the Irish Government, which he said is asking all members of the European Union to act together to avoid what would be "a massive loss of life".
He said the Horn of Africa has endured devastating hunger three times in the three decades.
"On each occasion, the world said 'never again' when details of the famine were reported to the United Nations. Yet, each time, famine has returned.
"Hunger is at the heart of the involuntary mass migration which we now see, one which leads to contested space."
President Higgins also said that starvation is being used as an instrument of war in many countries including Yemen and Sudan.
He said the collapse in humanitarian aid and assistance across the globe has left a significantly reduced humanitarian capacity, and where it does exist, access to those affected is impacted by conflict and civil strife.
The President said that the world is being challenged by a failing multilateralism that is being undermined and rendered impotent by an impunity that grows many breaches of previously agreed international law.
He said: "We are witnessing dangerous breaches and challenges to human rights around the world – be it in the plight of those enduring the horrific consequences of avoidable war and conflict, including food insecurity, the reappearance of old hatreds and the arrival of new forms of the scourges of hatred, racism and intolerance."
Watch: President says population of Gaza being subjected to 'forced starvation'
The famine commemoration is taking place place in Kilmallock.
More than one million people died during the famine between 1845 and 1852 and more than two million more emigrated during this time.
The event includes a wreath-laying ceremony, music and prayers of remembrance in tribute to those who died in the famine.
Music is being provided by local musicians Liam Flanagan, Sean Ó Fearghail and Ciara Flanagan, and pupils from Scoil Mocheallóg will read the poem Threnody by Flann O'Connor.
Students from Coláiste Iósaef will read a letter from Dr Morgan David O'Connell to the Kilmllock Board of Guardians from 1847.
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Sandra Hurley
Political Reporter
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