Former President of Ireland, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and member of The Elders, Mary Robinson warns of growing threats to international law, democracy, and human rights, and calls for renewed commitment to the legal principles that constrain political power and protect fundamental freedoms.
Speaking at Irish Rule of Law International's public event, What's Law Got to Do With It?, held at the Museum of Literature Ireland in Dublin on 22 October 2026, Mary examines the erosion of the international legal order and the consequences of allowing political interests to undermine established legal principles.
“International law is one of the world's most important public goods and moral compasses.”
Drawing on decades of experience in international diplomacy and human rights advocacy, Mary considers the challenges facing international institutions, the importance of accountability for violations of international law, and the responsibilities of governments to uphold the rules they have committed to respect.
Her address also explores the rise of populism and the growing pressures on democratic institutions, fuelled by economic insecurity, declining trust in political leadership, and the spread of disinformation.
“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 don't listen to ordinary citizens.”
Mary warns that these conditions create opportunities for political leaders to portray legal safeguards and institutional checks as obstacles to the will of the people.
“In such a climate, it's all too easy for loud and powerful voices to peddle superficially attractive notions of taking back control, having personal freedom, whether on immigration, trade or labour and social rights, and to dismiss legal safeguards and counter-arguments as elitist, technocratic and at odds with the will of the people.”
Against this backdrop, she argues that defending the rule of law requires sustained political commitment, strong institutions and a willingness to hold those in positions of authority accountable.
“Those in power hold it in trust, and should never presume that authority takes them above the law.”
Her keynote is followed by a panel discussion moderated by Dr Andrew Forde, featuring Zambian lawyer and rule of law advocate Linda Kasonde, human rights solicitor Darragh Mackin of Phoenix Law, and international human rights lawyer Aonghus Kelly.
Drawing on their professional experiences across different jurisdictions, the panellists explore the practical challenges of defending the rule of law, including the accountability of governments and public institutions, access to justice and the role of lawyers and civil society in protecting human rights.
The discussion considers how legal principles are tested in practice, particularly when political power, institutional interests, and fundamental rights come into conflict. It also examines the importance of ensuring that the rule of law applies consistently, regardless of the individuals or institutions involved.
Together, Mary's keynote and the panel discussion make the case for defending international law and strengthening the institutions that uphold justice, accountability, and democratic governance.
Editorial note: This episode was recorded on 22 October 2026. Subsequent legal developments relating to the Drumcree/Garvaghy Road parading dispute are not reflected in the recorded discussion.
Presented and produced by Evelyn McClafferty.
With thanks to our funders: Irish Aid.
The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily represent those of Irish Rule of Law International or its donors.