Statements
Concluding Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiations
on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration
On July 13, Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN, gave an intervention during the concluding session of the intergovernmental negotiations on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.
In his statement, Archbishop Auza said that the nearly two year process of negotiations has brought to light the reality of international migration and, pending formal adoption in Marrakesh in December, the Compact will serve as the first-ever comprehensive framework and international reference point for best practices and international cooperation among governments, NGOs and faith-based organizations with regard to global management of migration. The Compact, he said, will make it difficult for anyone to be unaware of the challenges migrants face or to avoid shared responsibility toward them. He reminded everyone of Pope Francis’ call to welcome, protect, promote and integrate migrants and said he believes that the Global Compact has not only respected but has been built on these principles. He expressed the hope of the Holy See that the Compact will not only help manage migration better but be a significant step forward in solidarity and mercy toward the dignity of every migrant and in service to all humanity.
His statement can be found here.
Sixth Round of the Intergovernmental Negotiations
on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration
On July 9, Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN, gave an intervention during the Opening Session of the sixth and final round of the intergovernmental negotiations on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM).
In his statement, Archbishop Auza welcomed two improvements to the most recent revision of the GCM: the concrete measures to address slow and sudden-onset disasters and the added emphasis on the right to family unity. He underlined three issues that he said still needed to be improved in anticipation of the final text of the GCM. The first is the deletion of broad references to guidelines and principles from documents that were not negotiated intergovernmentally and contain controversial language and issues that do not share consensus. He said that retaining such references in the GCM would “significantly influence” how and to what extent the Holy See and Catholic institutions could support it. Second, he stressed that all persons enjoy the same fundamental human rights that must be respected, protected and fulfilled, regardless of the person’s migratory status. He said providing shelter, health, education and justice are minimal services that all States must provide and the GCM should list them. Finally, he said that the document should restore references to humanitarian protection and the principle of non-refoulement. He finished by reiterating that all persons have the right to remain in peace, prosperity and security in their country of origin, something that demands the international cooperation of all States.
His remarks can be found here.
Protecting Children Today
Prevents Conflict Tomorrow
Security Council
On July 9, Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN, gave an intervention during the Security Council Open Debate dedicated to the theme of how “Protecting children today prevents conflict tomorrow.”
In his statement, Archbishop Auza said that children suffer most from war and conflict and how we treat them has consequences for their future and the world’s. He stated that the international community can do better in protecting children from being maimed, killed, used as human shields, human bombs, child soldiers and sexual slaves, and other abuses. The Children and Armed Conflict agenda is an important framework for doing so, he said, and called for its full implementation. He focused on three areas of improvement: strengthening preventative measures against the human rights abuses that occur against children; prioritizing effective rehabilitation and reintegration of former child soldiers; and guaranteeing the right to education for children victimized by arm conflict.
His statement can be found here.