Statement during Session on International Seabed Authority
On July 26, Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN, gave an intervention during the 25th Session of the Assembly of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) taking place in Kingston, Jamaica. He spoke on Agenda Item 11, dedicated to the commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of the ISA. The statement was delivered by Msgr. Tomasz Grysa.
In his statement, Archbishop Auza expressed his appreciation for the substantial legal framework the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) has established over the past quarter-century. Nevertheless, he said, the state of the oceans has continued to decline, something he hopes that the Paris Agreement, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and ongoing negotiations toward conservation and sustainable use of materials in areas beyond national jurisdiction and regulations on the exploitation of mineral resources will help remedy. The Holy See offered three points about the way forward. The first is that the oceans are part of the gift entrusted toward our common stewardship and we must approach them with care and responsibility and not just for use and exploitation. Second, we must balance economic benefits with conservation and sustainability. Third, we must be aware of conflict of interests in the emerging Blue Economy so as to better harmonize sustainability, economic profitability and compliance to regulations.
The statement can be found here:
Statement on Middle East, including the Palestinian Question
On July 25, Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN, gave an intervention during the Security Council Open Debate dedicated to The Middle East, including the Palestinian Question. The statement was delivered by Msgr. David Charters.
In his statement, Archbishop Auza noted the ongoing violence in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as the distrust, dangerous rhetoric and extremist ideology that endanger both Palestinians and Israelis alike. Action, he said, is needed, particularly the care for Palestinian refugees as well as encouragement for both parties to return to negotiations. He noted the humanitarian situation in Syria and mentioned Pope Francis’ letter to President Assad about the situation in Idlib. He cited the worsening situation in Yemen and praised the July 15 Security Council Resolution (2481) to strengthen the implementation of the ceasefire and provide access to essential supplies. He said that Iraq offers some hope of reconciliation and reconstruction.
The statement can be found here:
Discussion Panel
Faces in the Fight Against Human Trafficking
To mark the 10th anniversary
of the Talitha Kum Network & World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
Photo Exhibit 'Nuns Healing Hearts' by Lisa Kristine
Followed by a Reception
4:30 - 7pm. | JULY 29 2019 | UNHQ Conference Room 3