On October 5, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the UN, gave an intervention before the Sixth Committee General of the Seventy-First Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Agenda Item 108, dedicated to “Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism.”

In its statement, the Holy See reiterated its unequivocal condemnation of terrorism, which it said can only be countered by more cohesive measures at the international level, including denying terrorists access to cyber technologies, arms and ammunitions, and support. It urged vigorous accountability for all violations of international humanitarian law and crimes against humanity, while urging scrupulous respect for human rights and international law in the fight against terrorism. Humanitarian aid must be given to vulnerable groups or persons. The social and political conflicts fueling violence need to be confronted, especially through education and the rejection of narratives and ideologies that engender radicalization, hatred and extremism. Religious leaders have a special role in refuting and denouncing the manipulation of religious injunctions or texts to foment terrorism. Any lasting, effective response to terrorism will happen not just through military means but through a culture of encounter that promotes mutual acceptance and peace.

The statement can be found here.