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Week of May 13, 2016

Statements


This week, the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations gave 1 intervention at the United Nations.

On May 11, Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN, gave an intervention during the UN Security Council’s Open Debate on “Countering the Narratives and Ideologies of Terrorism.”

In his statement, Archbishop Auza said that it is a grave responsibility on the part of all — especially religious leaders and authoritative interpreters of sacred texts —to oppose terrorist narratives that seek to manipulate the minds of those vulnerable to radicalization and recruitment. He commended the recent Marrakesh Declaration’s recommendation for educational institutions and authorities courageously to review educational criteria to address instances inciting students toward aggression and extremism. Spurious religious beliefs and practices must be countered, he said, by formation and good example by authentic communities of faith. Those at risk of radicalization, moreover, should be integrated into communities lest in marginalization they be more easily manipulated, he said. Particular emphasis must be given to denying terrorist groups the ability to use cyberspace to spread their narratives, recruit, finance their activities and coordinate attacks.

His statement can be found here.