His Excellency Archbishop Bernardito Auza, the Apostolic Nuncio and Holy See’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations in New York conveyed that “Terrorism is a threat to us all, and so we must fight it wherever it is, whichever flag it flies, and whatever means it employs.” His Grace Archbishop Auza made his remarks while addressing a high-level conference on counter-terrorism.
As reported by Vatican news, His Grace Archbishop Auza remarked that “Abusing human rights actually increases local support for terrorism, and any counter-terrorism tactic that allows for human rights abuses will always backfire. Hence, it is vital to observe the rule of law, the Human Rights Conventions and international humanitarian law, in order to prevent terrorists from using human rights abuses as excuses for their heinous acts.” Further, the Archbishop added, “Every counter-terrorism strategy involve the engagement of local populations, governments, grassroots organizations, capacities and initiatives to address the problems of communities most at risk of radicalization and recruitment and to achieve their satisfactory social integration. Among others, they are key in mobilizing the youth against terrorism and in providing education, employment and other healthy options to keep them away from being radicalized.”
His Excellency Archbishop Auza concluded by saying that “the Holy See is working with leaders of other religions and their faith communities in preventing incitement to any form of radicalization and violence, fostering and intensifying further sincere interreligious and intercultural dialogue and fruitful cooperation.”
