Latest news with #UNpeacekeeping


BBC News
01-08-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Seán Rooney: Mother of says 'justice was not done'
The mother of Irish soldier Seán Rooney who was killed on a UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon has said "justice was not done" following a trial that convicted and sentenced those involved. Pte Seán Rooney was in an armoured UN vehicle which came under fire while travelling to Beirut on 14 December 24-year-old was the first Irish soldier to die while on UN peacekeeping duty in Lebanon in more than 20 years. Three others were injured in the a statement, Mr Rooney's mother Natasha Rooney said the family felt "extreme disappointment and heartbreak at the recent court proceedings in Lebanon". The main defendant in the case is Mohammad Ayyad. It is understood he did not appear in court on Monday.A number of other men were convicted in relation to the the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon, said Lebanon's permanent military court found six individuals who were charged over Mr Rooney's killing guilty. One person was death sentence was announced at a military tribunal in Beirut, according to Irish broadcaster RTÉ."What happened in Lebanon is unreflective of what we regard as a trial process," Ms Rooney said. "The trial into the murder of my son was heard and determined in less than half a day. Not only was justice not done, it was not seen to be done, with little to no information being disclosed or challenged in open court," she said. "Instead, we are forced to believe the answers provided by a Lebanese justice system which from the outset has failed to hold those responsible to account."Ms Rooney called the process a "sham trial". She also criticised that the proceedings, originally scheduled for September 2025, were brought forward to this week, something she said caused "unforeseen pressures". In a statement on Tuesday, Tánaiste (deputy Irish prime minister) Simon Harris said he raised his "deep frustration at the slow pace of proceedings" before the Lebanese Military Tribunal. Irish government reaction "While noting the sentence handed down to the main defendant, I am disappointed and share the disappointment of Pte Rooney's family at the lighter sentences imposed on a number of those convicted today," Harris added: "I appreciate that this is an incredibly difficult day for the family of Private Rooney. None of us can fathom their unimaginable pain and grief and all my thoughts remain with them at this time."In her statement, Ms Rooney criticised the Irish government for issuing public statements before speaking to the family. Ms Rooney said that "in a country where victims' rights ought to be paramount, it would perhaps be wise for the Tánaiste to speak to me, before seeking to speak for me, in his public statements". Harris visited Beirut last March and met with the Lebanese Ministers of Foreign Affairs of News on Thursday reported that Harris said in a statement he "cannot imagine the pain and suffering experienced by the Rooney family". "I look forward to meeting Mrs Rooney and arrangements are underway to ensure this happens."Above all, I want to support her quest for justice in any way I possibly can."Unifil said it "welcomes the conclusion of the trial process and the Government of Lebanon's commitment to bring the perpetrators to justice"."Once again, we offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Private Rooney and the Government of Ireland." Ms Rooney said that she will "dedicate every bone in my body to ensure justice for Seán, and to highlight the uncomfortable truths about the systemic failings by the United Nations, the Irish Defence Forces and the Lebanese justice system". "That is the very least I owe my son Seán. It is the very least I owe Seán comrades."


NHK
31-07-2025
- Politics
- NHK
Training UN peacekeepers in difficult times
Since 1948, UN peacekeeping forces have been deployed to hotspots around the world. However, concern over budget cuts is raising questions about their future. Even so, essential training is continuing at a facility in Kenya, led by Japanese initiatives.


BBC News
29-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Seán Rooney: Man sentenced to death over killing of Irish soldier
A man has been sentenced to death in Lebanon over the killing of an Irish soldier on a UN peacekeeping mission, BBC News NI understands. Pte Seán Rooney was in an armoured UN vehicle which came under fire while travelling to Beirut on 14 December 24-year-old was the first Irish soldier to die while on UN peacekeeping duty in Lebanon in more than 20 years. Three others were injured in the main defendant in the case is Mohammad Ayyad. It is understood he did not appear in court on Monday. A number of other men were convicted in relation to the shooting. The death sentence was announced at a military tribunal in Beirut, according to Irish broadcaster RTÉ.Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Micheál Martin said that while he welcomes the conviction of the main defendant, "it is unsatisfactory that he is still at large". "Many will feel the sentences passed down on the other defendants are far too lenient," Martin said. "Peacekeeping is the most noble cause of all, and the role of the peacekeeper must at all times be honoured and respected," he said. The taoiseach noted that "this is a very difficult day" for Pte Rooney's family, in particular his mother Natasha. "Sean was a soldier of great courage, who put the safety of others before his own safety in the line of duty," Martin said."He was brave and diligent. My thoughts and prayers are with Natasha, his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time." Tánaiste (deputy Irish prime minister) Simon Harris said he welcomed the conviction of the main defendant and a number of other defendant, "who had not previously been in court". "While noting the sentence handed down to the main defendant, I am disappointed and share the disappointment of Private Rooney's family at the lighter sentences imposed on a number of those convicted today," Harris said. The tánaiste said Pte Rooney "made the ultimate sacrifice in the noble pursuit of peace". "I appreciate that this is an incredibly difficult day for the family of Private Rooney. None of us can fathom their unimaginable pain and grief and all my thoughts remain with them at this time," the tánaiste said. Harris visited Beirut last March and met with the Lebanese Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Defence. He said raised his "deep frustration at the slow pace of proceedings" before the Lebanese Military Tribunal regarding those charged with Pte Rooney's death. He said the court hearing date was brought forward from September to taoiseach said "that justice system in Lebanon, and the delay in progressing in this case, was deeply regrettable".