Statements
Statements from the High-Level Meeting
on Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace
On April 25 and 26, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations gave a statement during the Plenary Session of the High-Level Meeting on Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace and another statement during the fourth interactive session of the Meeting that was dedicated to the “UN's Comprehensive and Integrated Approach to Peace.”
In its remarks at the Plenary Session, the Holy See said that peacebuilding is one of the must important activities of the United Nations and underlined five priorities: that the UN should recommit itself and scale up its peacebuilding efforts; focus on institutional and capacity building in situations of potential or impending conflicts; address effectively the illicit flow and accumulation of weapons; involve all sectors of the society, particularly men, in conflict resolution and peacebuilding processes; and ensure justice and accountability for those responsible for atrocity crimes.
In its remarks at the fourth interactive session, the Holy See said that there is a mutual relationship between sustainable development and sustainable peace. It stressed the need to develop a practical, comprehensive and integrated strategy to promote peace internationally while accounting for the primary responsibility of States; address the deep roots of conflict; eliminate extreme poverty and address economic regression; promote governance, democracy and building of State institutions; disarm, demobilize and reintegrate former combatants; promote the role of women in peacebuilding and mediation; apportion and coordinate responsibilities among all active parties; engage in preventive diplomacy; initiate consultations among active parties before initiating peacekeeping missions; and promote sustainable and continuous international partnerships in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. In war, it said, everyone loses, and that’s why everyone must commit to being artisans of peace.
The statement from the Plenary Session can be found here.
The statement from the Fourth Interactive Session can be found here.
The Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question
Security Council
On April 26, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations gave a statement during the Security Council Open Debate on “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.”
In its remarks, the Holy See said that the situation in the Middle East remains a matter of grave concern not only for the region but for international peace and security: the Israeli-Palestinian conflict threatens to destabilize the region; the humanitarian situation in Syria is accompanied by unparalleled suffering, destruction and disregard for human life; and the events in Yemen have been called the world’s largest humanitarian catastrophe. The Holy See reiterated its support for the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the obligation of all nations to respect the historical status quo of Jerusalem.
The statement can be found here.
Upcoming Events
Upholding Human Dignity for Migrants and Refugees, From Principles to Practice:
Faith Based Organizations and the Global Compacts
1:15-2:30 | May 3, 2018 | UNHQ Conference Room 4
RSVP by April 30 at holyseemission.org/rsvp3May2018
The Santa Marta Group: Police and Religious Leaders
United to Eradicate Human Trafficking
1:15-2:30 | May 22, 2018 | UNHQ Conference Room 7
RSVP by May 17 at holyseemission.org/rsvp22May2018
RSVP at holyseemission.org/rsvpPathtoPeaceGala2018
The Impact of Good Parents on Children and Society: The Many Benefits of Nurturing Children’s Integrity in the Home
11:00 a.m. - 1 p.m. | June 1 | UNHQ Conference Room 1
RSVP by May 29 at holyseemission.org/rsvp1June2018
Protection and Integration of Migrants in Vulnerable Situations: The Case of Faith-Based Organizations
1:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. | June 4 | UNHQ Conference Room 7
RSVP by May 30 at holyseemission.org/rsvp4June2018