On October 31, Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, gave an intervention during the debate of the Third Committee of the General Assembly dedicated to Agenda Item 70, entitled “Elimination of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance.”  

In his intervention, Archbishop Auza expressed alarm over the rise of acts of racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia, which he said are contrary to the dignity of every person and pose a threat both to peace and sustainable, integral development. He said that the processes underway toward the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework and the Global Compact on Migration provide an unprecedented opportunity to oppose racism and xenophobia against migrants and refugees and protect their human rights. Quoting Pope Francis, he emphasized the need to form a culture of encounter and human rights in which their connection to the common good and to the rights of others is featured.

His statement can be found here.