Statements
IMG
Strengthening the role and capacity of the United Nations to support
Member States to implement the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy
High-Level Conference on Counter-Terrorism
On June 29, Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN, gave an intervention during the High Level Conference on Counter-Terrorism during the fourth session dedicated to “Strengthening the role and capacity of the United Nations to support Member States to implement the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.”
In his statement, Archbishop Auza said that the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, should marshal their multiple resources to support countries with limited resources to fight terrorism and the spread of terrorist ideologies. The UN Counter-Terrorism Office should incorporate human rights, development and education support into its assistance. The rule of law, human rights conventions and international humanitarian law should always be observed in counter-terrorism, he added. He urged counter-terrorism offices at all levels to enhance collaboration with civil society organizations to address the issues of radicalization and recruitment because the success of counter-terrorism efforts depends on local capacities, initiatives and populations. Respect for the right to assembly and to freedom of speech is essential, he noted, as is sincere interreligious and intercultural dialogue and cooperation.
The statement can be found here.
Comprehensive review of the situation in the
Middle East and North Africa
Security Council
On June 25, Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN, gave an intervention during the Security Council Debate on the “Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Comprehensive Review of the situation in the Middle East and North Africa.”
In his statement, Archbishop Auza urged the Security Council to use all its authority and powers to find enduring political solutions to the conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa. Decisive action from the Security Council and international community is needed to prevent a worsening of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, he said. The Holy See continues to support a two-State solution with secure and recognized borders, he said, and calls upon all Nations to respect the historical status quo of Jerusalem in accordance with UN resolutions. With regard to the humanitarian crises in North Africa and the Middle East, he said that the rule of law, including respect for religious freedom and equality before the law based on the principle of citizenship regardless of race, ethnicity or religion, is fundamental to any political solution of the conflicts. Protection of human rights, particularly of minorities, contributes to eradicate the root causes and drivers of the instability that leads to conflicts, he added, and quick and effective redress of violations of international humanitarian law can prevent conflicts before they threaten regional and international peace and security. He urged the Council to show unity, determination and leadership to put an end to conflicts in the Middle East, North Africa and elsewhere.
His statement can be found here.
Announcement of Voluntary Contributions
to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for
Palestine Refugees in the Near East
On June 25, Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN, gave an intervention during the Pledging Conference of the Ad Hoc Committee of the General Assembly for the Announcement of Voluntary Contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
In his statement, Archbishop Auza reiterated the esteem and encouragement of the Holy See for the work of UNRWA and announced that Pope Francis was giving $100,000 for the Agency to benefit children in the Palestine Refugee Camps. He noted that the Catholic Church, through various organizations and entities, provides education, health care and social services to Palestine refugees. He said that there will be a need for UNRWA for as long as the plight of the more than five million Palestine refugees remains uncertain and expressed the hope that, sooner rather than later, a fair and lasting solution to their predicament can be reached in a two-State solution, with Israel and a Palestinian State living side by side in peace and security with internationally recognized borders.
His statement can be found here.