Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (C34)
General Debate of the 2023 Substantive Session

New York, 21 February 2023

Mr. Chair, 

I wish to congratulate you on your election as Chair of this Special Committee and to assure you of my delegation’s constructive engagement over the course of this session. 

At the outset, the Holy See would like to express its condolences to Senegal and MINUSMA regarding the deaths of three peacekeepers earlier today in central Mali. My delegation further expresses hope that the five peacekeepers who sustained serious injuries make a swift and full recovery. The Holy See condemns all attacks against UN peacekeepers and urges that the perpetrators are brought to justice. 
Earlier this month, Pope Francis traveled to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan. In both of these States, peacekeeping operations aim to provide authorities with support to achieve stability, build the rule of law and sow the seeds of development, while also offering hope to populations burdened by years of war. 

Recognizing this, the Holy See encourages the UN to “adapt its structure and methods of operation to the magnitude and nobility of its tasks.”[1] In this regard, my Delegation wishes to offer a few thoughts on some of the chapters under consideration.

This Special Committee has consistently recognized the primacy of politics in resolving conflict. Therefore, it is vital to advance a proper conception of politics, namely, one that orients public authority to attain the common good, the source from which its legitimacy flows.[2]

As Pope Francis has affirmed, “women can offer their unique contribution to the life of society to be the first allies of peace”[3], able to transform societies in which they are protected and respected.[4] Increasing the number and influence of women peacekeepers provides an effective means to facilitate such a transformation. 

The protection of civilian populations from harm constitutes the preeminent concern for peacekeeping operations. This protection extends to safeguarding an individual’s personal rights and duties.[5] As such, human rights monitoring components should be included in all peacekeeping mandates, whether they establish a new mission or renew an existing one. 

While key for stability, peacekeeping operations cannot build peace on their own, given that peacebuilding is “an open-ended endeavor, a never-ending task that demands the commitment of everyone,”[6] including members of civil society, who “have an essential role to play.”[7] As such, my Delegation urges greater engagement with all segments of host State populations, especially faith-based organizations, which can provide “genuine opportunities for dialogue and encounter between different peoples and cultures.”[8]

Ensuring the legitimacy of peacekeeping operations requires the elimination of all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse. Such conduct not only violates the dignity of victims, but also constrains UN action in response to future crises. In this regard, there is an obligation to assist victims and children born from such conduct, who face stigma and severely limited opportunity. 

Improving the conduct of peacekeeping operations also involves limiting their adverse environmental impact. In this regard, the reduction of operational emissions to the furthest extent possible is desirable. 

Finally, before concluding, the Holy See would like to express its sorrow, as well as its gratitude, for all those peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. May their sacrifice instill in us a renewed commitment to advance and improve this organization’s ability to safeguard international peace and ensure the security of personnel in the field.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

[1] Pope John XXIII, encyclical letter, Pacem in Terris, 11 April 1963, 145. 

[2] Second Vatican Council, Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, Gaudium et Spes, 7 December 1965, 74.

[3] Pope Francis, Address to Members of the Diplomatic Corps Accredited to the Holy See, 9 January 2023.

[4] Cf. Pope Francis, Address at Meeting with Internally Displaced Persons in South Sudan, 4 February 2023.

[5] Cf. Pope John XXIII, encyclical letter, Pacem in Terris, 11 April 1963, 60, 145.

[6] Pope Francis, encyclical letter, Fratelli Tutti, 3 October 2020, 232.

[7] Pope Francis, Address at Meeting with the Authorities, Civil Society and the Diplomatic Corps of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 31 January 2023. 

[8] Pope Francis, Address to Members of the Diplomatic Corps Accredited to the Holy See, 9 January 2023.