The Holy See's Permanent Observer to the United Nations, Christophe Zakhia El-Kassis, has reiterated the Church's commitment to protecting human dignity and eradicating racial discrimination worldwide. In a statement to the Third Committee of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, El-Kassis emphasized the importance of upholding human dignity and condemning racism, discrimination, xenophobia, and related forms of intolerance. He highlighted that these vices are affronts to the unity of the human family.
El-Kassis's address was centered on agenda item 68, 'Elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.' He cautioned against materialist and nationalist ideologies that undermine human dignity. According to the Holy See representative, these ideologies obstruct harmony within the human family and must be rejected. He stressed that the Church's position aligns with the teaching that every human being possesses equal and inviolable dignity.
The archbishop condemned racism, discrimination, xenophobia, and related forms of intolerance, emphasizing that they are inconsistent with the unity of the human family. He appealed to world leaders to intensify efforts to promote respect for the inalienable dignity of every human person and foster a culture of encounter and openness to others, grounded in mutual respect. El-Kassis also urged leaders to address the scourge of racism, which persists in various forms despite apparent progress.
El-Kassis highlighted several areas where discriminatory practices remain widespread, including the treatment of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. He noted that these groups continue to be victims of such practices. The Holy See representative also pointed out that new forms of exclusion and prejudice are emerging, particularly in digital environments, amplifying hatred and polarization.
The Holy See representative emphasized that social justice in the digital age requires the use of data and technologies to promote human dignity and the common good. He drew attention to religious intolerance, stating that whether it takes the form of antisemitism, Christianophobia, Islamophobia, or other forms of hostility rooted in anti-religious prejudice, it must be firmly rejected.
El-Kassis reiterated that the genuine international community cannot be complacent towards materialist and nationalist ideologies that obstruct harmony within the human family. He added that these ideologies undermine the unity of the human family and must be rejected. The Holy See representative emphasized the need for collective action to address these challenges and promote a culture of respect and dignity.
The Holy See's reaffirmation of its stance on human dignity and racial discrimination underscores the Church's commitment to promoting social justice and human rights. The Church's position aligns with the principles of equality and dignity enshrined in various international human rights instruments. El-Kassis's statement reflects the Church's ongoing efforts to promote a culture of respect, dignity, and inclusivity worldwide.
Key points
- The Holy See's Permanent Observer to the UN, Christophe Zakhia El-Kassis, reaffirms the Church's position on safeguarding human dignity and eliminating racial discrimination globally.
- El-Kassis condemns racism, discrimination, xenophobia, and related forms of intolerance as affronts to the unity of the human family.
- The Holy See representative appeals to world leaders to intensify efforts to promote respect for human dignity and foster a culture of encounter and openness to others.
