The
Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, Archbishop
Bernardito Auza, on Wednesday said it is a “basic right of every
individual to remain in peace and enjoy the security that provides the
foundation and stability needed for lasting social development.”“In too many corners of our world, children and youth are raised under the rules of war, rather than the rule of law,” the Vatican diplomat said.
“Lingering political and ethnic strife, persecution and mass atrocities, extreme poverty and rising inequalities force many to become refugees and migrants, displace countless individuals and destroy homes and properties,” – Archbishop Auza continued –“For the victims, there is no peace and security, no human rights and development and, in many cases, no one to turn to for help.”
He said it is “crucial” to address the needs of those forced to migrate.
“Pope Francis does not cease to remind us that at this moment in human history, marked by great movements of migration, the question of identity is not a secondary issue,” continued the Archbishop.
“Those who migrate are forced to change some of their most distinctive characteristics and, whether they like or not, even those who welcome them are also forced to change,” – he concluded – “The challenge before us is not to experience these changes as obstacles, but as opportunities for genuine human, social and spiritual growth, a growth which respects and promotes those values which make us ever more humane.”