On October 9, Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN, gave an intervention during the Sixth Committee deliberations of the Seventy-third Session of the General Assembly on Agenda Items 86 dedicated to “The Rule of Law at the National and International Levels.”  
 
In his statement, Archbishop Auza said that the work of the United Nations both develops and promotes the rule of law, justice and good governance at the national and international levels. The heart of the rule of law, he says, lies in respect for, and implementation of, justice and fundamental human rights at the national and international levels. The UN Charter recognizes respect for and observance of the rule of law as one of the UN’s four pillars, he said. For the rule of law to succeed, the Archbishop added, human rights must be supported by effective, accountable and inclusive procedures and institutions, especially an independent judiciary. He concluded by mentioning Pope Francis’ affirmation of the Universal Declaration of Human Right’s recognition that the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world is the recognition of the inherent dignity and equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family.

The statement can be found here.