Photo: Sean Jackson
Former President of Ireland joins leading legal voices to examine the pressures facing the rule of law globally.
Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland, former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and member of The Elders, has called for renewed commitment to international law and human dignity amid growing political instability, declining trust in institutions, and mounting challenges to international accountability.
Delivering the keynote address at What's Law Got to Do With It?, an event hosted by Irish Rule of Law International (IRLI) in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at the Museum of Literature Ireland in Dublin, Robinson reflected on the forces undermining the international legal order.
“We live in an age where populism is in the ascendancy, driven by a combination of economic insecurity, falling trust in politics and institutions, a wave of disinformation and hate speech on social media, and a pervasive feeling that leaders do not listen to ordinary citizens.”
She argued that international law must be understood not simply as a system of rules governing relations between states, but as a framework that protects people's rights, security, and dignity.
“This is not a time for apathy or passivity over the protection of international law and human dignity.”
Robinson also addressed the challenges facing the International Criminal Court, the situation in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, and the responsibilities of Ireland and the European Union in upholding international law.
She highlighted growing threats to women's rights and participation in political and peace processes, warning of deliberate efforts to reverse progress on gender equality.
Ireland's role in defending international law
In an address on multilateralism, Ireland's EU Presidency priorities, and international accountability, Gerard Keown, Political Director at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, reaffirmed Ireland's support for the International Criminal Court and its independence.
He also addressed the humanitarian situation in Gaza, developments in the West Bank, and the conflict in Sudan, emphasising the importance of sustained international engagement and accountability.
Accountability, technology, and the legal profession
A panel discussion moderated by Dr Andrew Forde of Dublin City University brought together international human rights lawyer Aonghus Kelly, Zambian constitutional lawyer Linda Kasonde, and Northern Ireland human rights solicitor Darragh Mackin.
Kelly raised questions about the responsibilities of major technology companies, including those headquartered in Ireland, and the human rights implications of their business models and algorithmic systems.
He argued that Ireland's position as a major European technology hub brings particular responsibilities in pressing for stronger accountability and reform.
Mackin highlighted the pressures facing lawyers and the importance of solidarity within the legal profession. Referring to the recent Garvaghy Road dispute in Northern Ireland, in which his firm, Phoenix Law, represented local residents, he cited the case as an example of the rule of law in action, while acknowledging the importance of what happens next.
Joining remotely from Zambia, Kasonde warned of the spread of impunity and the consequences of weakening democratic institutions and judicial independence.
She also called for greater international attention to conflicts across Africa, including in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, arguing that the protection of human life and dignity must not depend on geography or political prominence.
The event was also attended by a delegation of six Ukrainian judges, led by Stanislav Kravchenko, President of the Supreme Court of Ukraine. Their participation formed part of a judicial study visit to Belfast and Dublin, facilitated by IRLI in cooperation with the EU Advisory Mission Ukraine (EUAM Ukraine) and supported by Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Defending the rule of law in practice
Maria McCloskey, Executive Director of Irish Rule of Law International, said:
“International law cannot become a system of rules that applies only to the powerless, while those with political or military influence act with impunity. We are witnessing profound challenges to the international legal order, from attacks on the independence of international courts to the devastating consequences of global conflicts. The credibility of the rule of law depends on its consistent application. Governments, legal institutions, and the international community must be prepared not only to defend these principles in words, but to uphold them through meaningful action.”
A recording of Mary Robinson's keynote address and highlights from the panel discussion will be released shortly through IRLI's podcast, The Justice Edit, on YouTube and Podbean. Follow IRLI on social media or subscribe to our newsletter for updates.