FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 28, 2016

On July 28, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the UN, gave an intervention during the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on “Peacebuilding in Africa.”

In its statement, the Holy See noted that while evidence suggests that there is no single model of peacebuilding, there is a need for quick-impact interventions, medium-range initiatives and long-term programs. The Holy See called attention to the role that grassroots movements, faith-based organizations and local communities play in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. It highlighted the work of the Catholic Church in hospitals, dispensaries, schools, humanitarian and charitable agencies throughout Africa. It praised the process of dialogue and negotiation that can help people become protagonists of their own peace efforts as well as “informal diplomacy” as a complement of formal diplomatic efforts. It emphasized the contributions of women in preventive diplomacy, mediation and peacebuilding. It pressed for greater progress in disarmament, for curbing the legal and illegal arms trade, and for not ignoring or allowing anyone to pushed to the margins.

The statement can be found here.