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Statement of the Holy See at the Third Committee of the 81st session of the General Assembly - Agenda Item 110 and 111: “Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice” and “International Drug Control”
By H. E. Archbishop Christophe Z. EL KASSISApostolic Nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations

 

New York, 7 October 2026

 

Mr. Chair,

“The rule of law, crime prevention and criminal justice must advance together in unity.  Indeed, the authentic implementation of the rule of law remains indispensable for integral human development. No truly just society can endure unless the law — and not the arbitrary will of individuals — remains sovereign, while no person or group, regardless of power or status, may ever claim the right to violate the dignity and rights of others or of their communities. Therefore, preventing and responding to criminal activities is closely interrelated with the respect for and protection of universal human rights. This requires not only the efforts of law enforcement authorities but also the engagement of society at large, at both the national and the international levels.”[1]

In this regard, renewed determination is required in the face of expanding drug markets and the links between drug trafficking, corruption, and criminal activity around the world. Furthermore, organized criminal groups are exploiting technology and innovation to expand their reach and diversify their operations. As the 2026 World Drug Report 2026 notes, this extends to how drugs are being produced, trafficked, procured, and used.[2]

Therefore, society and law enforcement should focus on identifying such criminal networks and prosecuting major criminals, while also working to prevent drug use. The aim should be to reduce drug production and trafficking.

At the same time, recognizing that true justice cannot be satisfied with punishment alone, such efforts must likewise embrace approaches marked by perseverance and mercy, aimed at the re-education and full integration of offenders into the fabric of society.[3]

In this regard, it is important to implement comprehensive programs that can reach those persons grappling with various forms of addiction. This is while particularly crucial for young people and those serving criminal sentences. These programs should offer among others access to medical treatment, psychological support, and sustained rehabilitation.

Preventive efforts fall short, if they are not accompanied by adequate and quality education. In this context, Pope Leo XIV highlights that “education must begin within the family and be strengthened in the school, imparting accurate scientific knowledge of the ruinous effects of narcotics upon the brain, the body, personal conduct and the common good of the community.”[4]

The Catholic Church will continue to contribute to the common good and the inalienable, God-given dignity of every human person.

I thank you.

____________________________________________________________

[1] Pope Leo XIV, Address to Participants in the Interparliamentary Conference on Combating Organized Crime in the OSCE Region, 15 May 2026.

[2] Cfr. UNODC, World Drug Report 2026, Highlights, 56-59.

[3] Cfr. Pope Leo XIV, Address to Participants in the Interparliamentary Conference on Combating Organized Crime in the OSCE Region, 2026.

[4] Pope Leo XIV, Address to Participants in the Interparliamentary Conference on Combating Organized Crime in the OSCE Region, 2026.