On September 19, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and Head of Delegation to the General Debate of the 72nd Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, gave an intervention during a closed ministerial-level meeting on the Central African Republic (CAR).
In his statement, Archbishop Gallagher said the Holy See was greatly concerned about the worsening of the conflict in the CAR and said that more effective action in protecting civilians, regardless of religion or rank, is necessary to promote impartiality and increase trust. Peacekeepers must prioritize security for all and the restoration of peace. He appealed to the UN’s Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic [MINUSCA] to defend the dignity of defenseless women and children. He noted the importance of the support of the international community in helping to promote the structures of democracy and development, especially the rule of law and access to education and health. He also called the political forces within the country to sincere dialogue, which must involve a ceasefire, the disarming of armed groups and reintegration into society, justice for victims, and the guaranteed return of both Muslim and Christian migrants and refugees, and reiterated the Catholic Church’s commitment to that dialogue.
His statement can be found here.