Christophe Zakhia El-Kassis, the Holy See’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations, has reaffirmed the Church’s position on safeguarding human dignity and the elimination of racial discrimination across the globe.
El-Kassis’s address was anchored on agenda item 68: ‘Elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance,’ where he warned against materialist and nationalist ideologies that affront human dignity.
The archbishop condemned racism, discrimination, xenophobia and all related forms of intolerance as affronts to “the unity of the human family.” He reiterated that the church’s position aligns with the teaching that every human being possesses equal and inviolable dignity,
He warned against “materialist and nationalist ideologies” that undermine the unity of the human family in a statement delivered to the Third Committee of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
The Holy See representative also appealed to world leaders to intensify efforts to cultivate and promote respect for the inalienable dignity of every human person and to foster a culture of encounter and openness to others, grounded in mutual respect.
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 the scourge of racism persists in various forms, despite apparent progress, and continues to manifest itself on the basis of the mistaken belief that one person, reduced to a single characteristic, is superior to another.
The Holy See representative also highlighted several areas in which discriminatory practices remain widespread. According to him, migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, in particular, continue to be victims of such practices.
From migrants to digital environments, new forms of exclusion and prejudice are emerging, amplifying hatred and polarisation. “In the digital age, social justice requires that data and technologies be used to promote human dignity and the common good.
“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 stated, drawing attention to religious intolerance.
Seyi John Salau is a BusinessDay Correspondent with interest in development journalism, which tells stories that connect the people, brands, and the government. SeyiJohn is also a media professional with BSc, Mass Communition (ACU); Masters of School Media (MSM, Ibadan) & MSc, Mass Communication (Caleb).
