By Holy See Mission
Statement by H.E. Archbishop Celestino
Migliore
Apostolic Nuncio, Permanent Observer of the Holy See
63rd session of the
United Nations General Assembly
Agenda item 100:
Report of the Secretary-General on the work of the Organization
New York, 6 October 2008Mr President,
My delegation thanks the Secretary-General for his Report on the Work of the
Organization and looks forward to working with him to help ensure that this
institution builds upon its successes and bridges its shortcomings.
We are witnessing intractable conflicts in many regions of the world. Whether
under the guise of civil turmoil, terrorist activity or international conflicts,
they perpetuate the flawed belief that violence and war can replace cooperation
and dialogue for the common good. In this context, the impasse in the Conference
on Disarmament, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, along with
the growing strain upon the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons,
are enduring obstacles and severely hinder the promotion of the common good and
mutual cooperation.
However, rather than addressing the symptoms of humanity’s failings we would do
well to focus on the underlying causes. Some forty years ago Pope Paul VI stated
in this Hall that “development is the new name for peace” and the wisdom of
these words should guide us in crafting adequate solutions.
At this point in time we cannot but admit a number of setbacks in our work to
globalize solidarity toward the poor. With the failed trade talks in the Doha
Round, the increasing international economic slowdown and the missed development
assistance targets, we have seen the need for effective consensus and delivery.
The upcoming conference on Financing for Development in Doha presents an
opportunity for the international community to consolidate promises and renew
cooperation between developed and developing countries. My delegation looks
forward to working with the participants in order to put the ingenuity of global
economic activity at the service of people rather than put people at its mercy.
Mr President,
The Sixty-third Session of the General Assembly stands at a poignant moment in
United Nations history. Sixty years ago this December, this body produced the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, with which the world leaders agreed that
human rights are not bestowed by governments at their whim but rather are
inherent in all individuals regardless of race, nationality or religious belief.
It is humbling to recall the war that preceded the adoption of the UDHR but also
empowering to know that if the world could come together to ensure the rights of
all after such a devastating conflict, then surely today we can find the
political will to guarantee the full enjoyment of all human rights.
The rights to life and freedom of thought, conscience and religion remain the
core of the human rights system. The discourse over these two fundamental rights
is on the rise. However, too often these rights are neglected in favor of more
politically expedient issues, and only when the voices of the disenfranchised
and discriminated become too loud to be ignored do we give them their proper
attention. Only by respecting the right to life, from the moment of conception
until natural death, and the consciences of all believers, will we promote a
world cognizant and respectful of a deeper sense of meaning and purpose.
A year ago the General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Rights of
Indigenous Peoples. We encourage the membership to build upon this common
commitment in order to foster greater understanding between governments and
indigenous communities.
Finally, Mr President, it is my delegation’s hope that this Session of the
General Assembly can serve to promote renewed cooperation and harmony among all
peoples. Time and again we have seen an increase in the use of rhetoric which,
instead of bringing nations together, chastises and divides them. In all corners
of the globe this rhetoric has been used to foment mistrust between States.
However, it is my delegation’s wish that this Session will reverse this
crescendo of suspect and mistrust and will give way to confidence in our common
leadership and shared values. To this end, the fully operational Mediation
Support Unit serves as a valuable tool for restoring lost trust and we look
forward to following its further developments.
Mr President,
The Secretary-General’s Report recognizes the need for addressing an ever
growing number of issues. Whether it is humanitarian assistance, mediation or
the ability to bring parties together, this Organization must continue to be
shaped in a way that is more responsive to the needs of the twenty-first
century.
Thank you, Mr. President.
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