President Higgins is currently in the final leg of his official visit to South America, where he has visited several nations and today will give the keynote address at the inter-American court of human rights in Costa Rica.

While in El Salvador President Higgins was awarded with the Honour of Merit award – the highest award to be conferred on any dignitary. The honour recognizes the work President Higgins did for the country in the past, as a vocal campaigner against the human rights abuses taking place in the country during the 1970s and 80s, and as an international human rights observer in 1982, when he traveled to the country.

Looking back to his own experiences and the current climate of human rightsd battles around the world, President Higgins discusses what benefits his visit can have, both at home and abroad.

Shona Murray spoke with President Higgins as he left El Salvador and headed to his next stop, Costa Rica.
Listen to the full interview below or download via iTunes.