President Higgins’ Final Christmas Message: Honoring Irish Defence Forces and Global Peace Amid Conflict
Irish President Honors Troops Abroad, Calls for Peace in Global Hotspots in Final Christmas Message
Dublin, Ireland – In his final Christmas message as President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins offered heartfelt tributes to Irish troops serving overseas, especially those stationed in Lebanon amidst escalating tensions. He also used the occasion to shine a light on the ongoing conflicts in Gaza,Ukraine,and Sudan,urging the international community to address the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.
President Higgins, whose term ends in November 2024, acknowledged the sacrifices made by Irish soldiers deployed with the UN peacekeeping force UNIFIL.he highlighted the recent rocket attack on Camp Shamrock, where hundreds of Irish peacekeepers are based, emphasizing the dangers they face daily.
“Their work and their families’ sacrifices that make it possible are moral examples for the entire international community, including the moast powerful,” President Higgins said, praising the troops’ dedication to peace-building and protecting vulnerable populations.
The President’s message also carried a strong plea for peace in conflict zones around the world. He condemned the taking of israeli hostages by Hamas and the devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where tens of thousands of civilians, including thousands of children, have been killed.
“The silence of many of those with influence in the face of gross violations of the human rights of civilians is conferring an impunity on those who are flagrantly inflicting collective punishment on civilians, including starvation which, as I speak, is affecting most of all women and children,” he stated, calling for an end to the suffering.President Higgins extended his thoughts to those enduring hardship in Ukraine and Sudan, where millions face acute hunger and displacement. He also acknowledged Irish citizens living abroad and those who have sought asylum in Ireland,wishing them a sense of welcome and belonging during the holiday season.
Reflecting on his presidency, President Higgins recalled his first Christmas message in 2011, expressing his pride in serving the Irish people. as he enters his final year in office, he reaffirmed his commitment to serving the nation with the same dedication and honor.
Irish President’s Final Christmas Message Chants Peace,Honors Troops Abroad
In a poignant address marking his final christmas as President of Ireland,Michael D. Higgins extended heartfelt tributes to Irish peacekeeping troops stationed abroad, notably those serving with the UNIFIL force in Lebanon. President Higgins acknowledged the recent rocket attack on camp Shamrock, emphasizing the daily dangers faced by Irish peacekeepers. He lauded their dedication to peacebuilding and protecting vulnerable populations, calling them “moral examples for the entire international community.”
President Higgins’ message also resonated with a strong plea for peace in global hotspots grappling with conflict. He condemned the Hamas hostage situation in Israel and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza,highlighting the suffering of civilians,especially women and children.
“The silence of many of those with influence in the face of gross violations of the human rights of civilians is conferring an impunity on those who are flagrantly inflicting collective punishment on civilians, including starvation which, as I speak, is affecting most of all women and children,” he stated, urging for an end to the suffering.
The President also extended his thoughts to those enduring hardship in Ukraine and Sudan, where millions face food insecurity and displacement.
In his concluding remarks, President Higgins reflected on his journey as president, expressing his pride in serving the Irish people. As he enters his final year in office, he reaffirmed his commitment to serving the nation with unwavering dedication and honor.