Michael D Higgins slams 'shameful' spending on war as millions suffer acute hunger
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President Michael D Higgins has hit out at "shameful" spending on military and war at a time when 281 million people are suffering from dangerous levels of acute hunger.
The President has also urged the world to "insist that the horrific suffering for children and their families" in Gaza is ended.
He hit out at his fellow world leaders who he said have been complicit in their silence in relation to Gaza.
“I must say,as a twice-elected head of state, I have spoken to other heads of state in the world and in Europe, and I cannot understand, nor do I condone, those heads of state from very powerful countries who can allow themselves to look at young children dying of malnutrition or dehydration and still stay silent. Staying silent is complicit in the loss of life.”
Opening the National Ploughing Championships, Mr Higgins said this is now the fifth year in a row that food insecurity has worsened and in Sudan alone, half of the country’s population of 50 million are now facing food insecurity and famine.
"Unicef has told us the recent severe drought that has impacted large swathes of Southern Africa has resulted in almost 300,000 children being threatened by severe acute malnutrition in the six drought-affected countries," he said, adding that nearly half of the world's population is living in countries that spend more on debt interest than on health.
"How shameful it is that this is taking place in a world where military expenditure has soared to unprecedented levels, reaching $2.44trn in 2023 — the highest ever recorded."
He added: "When one thinks of what could be achieved if such sums were not deferred to preparations for war."
Turning to the conflict in the Middle East, Mr Higgins told the crowd: "In particular, we think of all the people in Gaza. As we approach the one year anniversary of the horrific events of October 7, 2023, the world must insist that the horrific suffering for children and their families must end.
"Hundreds of thousands of people continue to face the most horrific of circumstances of war and displacement. There is no room anymore for anyone to avert their gaze. The outrageous level of killing must end with an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the immediate provision of all necessary aid.
"In these difficult times, we must ensure that the rhetoric of war and the shocking escalation of armaments do not sideline the agreements we have made on poverty, inequality, climate action, and sustainability," he said.