Statement to UNGA 78 – Third Committee
Agenda Item 69: Elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance
New York, 30 October 2023
Mr. Chair,
Racism is an evil which endures in our society and despite apparent advances and even significant changes in legislation, the reality of racism remains. That is why the discussion on racism and racial discrimination is highly relevant, also due to the tensions which they stir up both within countries and on the international level. The international community considers unjustifiable and rejects as inadmissible the tendency to maintain or introduce legislation or behavior systematically inspired by racialist prejudice. All members of the human family share the same basic rights and duties, since they possess the same God-given dignity. It goes without saying that everyone should have equal access to economic, cultural, civic, and social life, as well as benefit from the fair distribution of the nation’s wealth, while being treated equally under the law.[1]
Racism hinges upon the wrongful belief that one person, reduced to a mere characteristic, is superior to another. This constitutes an affront to the inherent dignity of each human being. The reprehensible acts of racism, xenophobia and discrimination against migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers is a clear manifestation of this mentality. As a consequence, migrants are not seen as endowed with the same intrinsic dignity as any other person and are therefore openly rejected. Migration can instill fear and apprehension, often fueled and exploited for political purposes. This may result in a xenophobic mentality, as people close in on themselves out of fear of the “other”. The Holy See is firmly convinced that this issue must be addressed decisively.[2] Migrants must not be considered as a political problem to be easily disposed of, but rather as human beings who share the same intrinsic dignity and value as every person.[3]
The Holy See is also deeply concerned by the continuing rise in cases of religious intolerance, discrimination, and persecution. An increasing number of people are suffering on the basis of their religion or belief. Individuals and communities face restrictions and persecutions for profession of their faith, both privately and in the public sphere. Considering the many places where religious freedom is severely restricted, the Holy See recalls that governments have a duty to protect this right of their citizens as it is one of the absolute minimum requirements necessary to live in dignity.
The fear of “otherness” can lead to a quest for a one-dimensional uniformity that seeks to eliminate all differences and traditions under the guise of a superficial quest for unity. “This false universalism ends up depriving the world of its various colors, its beauty and, ultimately, its humanity.”[4] The antidote is to be found in a culture of dialogue that recognizes “the rich gifts and uniqueness of each person and each people.”[5] This enables authentic social friendship to flourish, which in turn enables true universal openness.
Mr. Chair,
As Pope Francis has clearly stated, “racism is a virus that quickly mutates and, instead of disappearing, goes into hiding, and lurks in waiting.”[6] Racism is a pernicious and abhorrent evil that denies human dignity and divides the human family. No one should be discriminated against, in law or in fact, on account of their race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.[7] The equal dignity of each person demands that we never turn a blind eye to racism or exclusion, but that we approach every person with openness, solidarity, and love.
I thank you.
[1] Cf. Pope Paul VI, Octagesima Adveniens, 16.
[2] Pope Francis, Post-Synodal Exhortation Christus Vivit, 92.
[3] Cfr. Pope Francis, Encyclical Letter Fratelli tutti, 39.
[4] Pope Francis, Encyclical Letter Fratelli tutti, 100.
[5] Ibid., 100.
[6] Ibid., 97.
[7] Cfr. Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 2.