Vatican diplomat calls for concerted effort to combat terrorism

July 01, 2015

Addressing the UN Human Rights Council, the Holy See’s leading diplomat at UN offices in Geneva called for coordinated international action to combat terrorism and its effects.

Archbishop Silvano Tomasi said that most of the world’s terrorism takes place in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nigeria and Syria.

“The Holy See is deeply convinced that terrorism, especially those forms that derive from religious extremism, must be confronted with concerted political efforts by all players, especially by all the local and regional parties involved, as well as by the major international players, whose role is indispensable in negotiating and finding a viable solution, diplomatic or otherwise, to protect life and the future stability of the regions touched by terrorism,” said Archbishop Tomasi.

“The response to terrorism cannot be merely by way of military action,” he added. “Political participation, fair and just legal systems, and cutting all forms of public and private support for terrorism are means not only to respond, but also to prevent, terrorism. It is also important to remember the positive obligation that States have to undertake in order to protect their citizens and, where that is not possible, to collaborate with other regional authorities in order to address the threats posed by terrorist groups.”

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Statement of the Holy See to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, at the 29th Session of the Human Rights Council (Geneva, 30 June 2015)