15 January - Seán MacBride death anniversary

 

Seán MacBride (1904–1988) was an Irish statesman, diplomat, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. He played a significant role in Irish and international politics, and his career spanned various areas, including law, human rights, and disarmament. Here are some key aspects of Seán MacBride's life and career:

1. Early Life and Family:

   • Born on 26 January 1904, in Paris, France, MacBride came from a prominent Irish republican family. His father, Major John MacBride, was one of the leaders executed after the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin.

2. Education and Legal Career:

   • MacBride studied law at University College Dublin and later became a barrister. He practiced law in Ireland and played a role in defending political prisoners.

3. Involvement in the IRA:

   • MacBride was involved with the Irish Republican Army (IRA) during the Irish War of Independence. He later became the Chief of Staff of the IRA in 1936.

4. International Career:

   • After World War II, MacBride shifted his focus to international affairs. He became involved with the United Nations and was instrumental in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.

5. Founding of Amnesty International:

   • MacBride was one of the co-founders of Amnesty International in 1961. This organization became a leading advocate for human rights worldwide.

6. Irish Government Roles:

   • He served in various Irish government positions, including Minister for External Affairs (1951–1954) and Minister of Justice (1957–1959).

7. Nobel Peace Prize:

   • In 1974, Seán MacBride, along with Eisaku Sato, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts in the area of disarmament.

8. President of the International Peace Bureau:

   • MacBride served as the President of the International Peace Bureau, a global organization dedicated to promoting peace, from 1974 to 1985.

Seán MacBride's contributions to human rights, disarmament, and international peace earned him recognition and respect on the global stage. His multifaceted career reflected a commitment to justice and the promotion of human dignity. Seán MacBride passed away on 15 January 1988.