By Holy See Mission
Statement of H.E. Archbishop Celestino MiglioreApostolic Nuncio, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United
NationsThird Committee of the 59th Session of the General Assembly on Item
94a,Social
Development including Questions relating to the World Social Situationand to
Youth, Ageing, Disabled Persons and the FamilyNew
York, 5 October 2004Mr. Chairman,
In the United Nations, we often
hear about development in general but perhaps more should be made of
social
development specifically. Once we reflect on the objectives of this
noble
organization, we come to realize that human beings are at the center of
all that
we do. Their social development is in line with and has a vital role in
establishing peace and security.
In the course of time, some forces
of globalization have aggravated the insecurities associated with
poverty and
vulnerability. The youth, the ageing, disabled persons, indigenous
peoples,
migrants, women and the family have all been sidelined to varying
degrees and
have become more prone to poverty. Economic progress does not suffice in
itself,
but should be accompanied by socio-political progress which will assure
that a
part of the general benefits have a social purpose. In this sense,
policy
frameworks and developmental plans, both national and international,
should
create an enabling environment which in turn will lead to social
integration,
access to basic social services, education and primary health care,
sustenance
of the family, the promotion and protection of human rights and
fundamental
freedoms, so that all become owners of their own development.
We are reminded of the drive to
implement social development by some important declarations issued in
the UN
during the past decade.
My Delegation is gratified to find
them throughout the documents from Copenhagen to Johannesburg, because
we
believe in development focused on the human person and in development
which
realizes human capacity. Such a vision involves moving from
assistentialism to
empowerment. It means moving away from a policy in which people or
groups are
considered the object of intervention, to one in which they become the
protagonists of their own development. Making them the center of concern
should
also include the recognition of their capabilities and potentials.
Mr. Chairman, allow me to focus on
some particular issues concerning social development:
The social policies for the
protection of vulnerable individuals will make sense and will be
effective in so
far as they are capable of strengthening natural social groups – the
small
communities and the family – as well as in the measure that they
generate a
sense of responsibility in civil society towards vulnerable sectors.
One must
also recognize the social nature of children, the elderly and the
handicapped.
Only the creation and empowerment of a diversified social network, which
begins
with the family and is seen at different levels throughout society, will
empower
those as yet unprotected.
The Holy See once again calls
attention to the protection of the family. My delegation is firmly
convinced
that: “Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race,
nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family.”
In this
context, my delegation robustly participated in the Tenth Anniversary of
the
International Year of the Family which it viewed as a most significant
occasion
to continue the discussions that will help strengthen the role of the
family in
today’s world.
The Holy See is actively engaged in
the current work to draft a Comprehensive and Integral International
Convention
on Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with
Disabilities, and looks forward to the drafting of a Convention that
will
further protect the rights of those concerned. What is at stake is
nothing less
than the right of those individuals to be full members of society. The
work on
this Convention must become the vehicle by which we take into account
the
authentic interests and concerns of disabled persons. In a society rich
in
scientific and technical knowledge it is now possible to do more in the
various
ways required by civil coexistence: from biomedical research for
preventing
disabilities, to treatment, assistance, rehabilitation and a new social
integration. This convention is being drafted in favor of the disabled,
so that
they may fully participate in the right to life, something which must be
guaranteed to all.
I can assure delegates that the
Holy See will continue to work for a better future for all, through
recognition
of that human dignity which we all share.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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