Addressing the UN in Geneva, Archbishop Balestrero stresses the impact on civilians and refugees, urging an immediate halt to violence
By Vatican News The Holy See has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in the Middle East, warning of its grave human rights and humanitarian consequences, during a series of interventions delivered on the 26th of March at the United Nations in Geneva. Addressing the Human Rights Council, Archbishop Ettore Balestrero, Apostolic Nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See, spoke of the “tragic events unfolding in the Middle East in these dramatic days,” and expressed “profound sorrow for the many innocent victims across the region, including children, as well as for those who have been displaced, particularly families.” He highlighted the alarming nature of ongoing attacks against civilian infrastructure, including “hospitals, schools and residential areas,” noting with concern that some are reportedly AI-enabled. Quoting Pope Leo XIV, Archbishop Balestrero stressed that the suffering caused by such violence cannot be ignored: “We cannot remain silent in the face of the suffering of so many defenceless people who are victims of these conflicts. What hurts them hurts all of humanity.” He reiterated that “peace and stability cannot be achieved through weapons and retaliation, which only sow death and destruction,” and instead called for “peaceful means such as diplomacy and dialogue, and by adhering fully to international law.” Echoing the Pope’s appeal, he urged all parties “to assume the moral responsibilities of halting this spiral of violence before it becomes an unbridgeable chasm.” The plight of refugees Earlier the same day, speaking at the 95th meeting of the UNHCR Standing Committee on operations in the Middle East and North Africa, the Holy See again drew attention to the growing humanitarian crisis linked to ongoing conflicts. Archbishop Balestrero warned that “while humanitarian needs are dramatically increasing, the resources allocated to providing assistance are shrinking,” pointing to “the stark disproportion between the resources allocated to weapons and war, and those devoted to serving of life.” He emphasised that displacement must not be treated as an abstract issue: “Refugees are not just statistics to be managed; they are individuals, men and women, boys and girls, each with a name, a face and a story.” He also highlighted the long-term impact on children, many of whom are growing up “deprived of stable family environments, education and even the simple joy of play.” The Holy See called on the international community to strengthen solidarity, particularly as “the vast majority of refugees is hosted by developing countries,” urging more predictable funding and increased opportunities for resettlement. In the same intervention, Archbishop Balestrero underlined the need to address root causes, stating that “war and violence are never inevitable; they always stem from policies and decisions that lead to terrible consequences.” He also called for an end to “hateful and vengeful language” and renewed commitment to dialogue, quoting Pope Leo XIV: “Stability and peace are not achieved through mutual threats, nor through the use of weapons… but only through reasonable, sincere, and responsible dialogue.” Europe A further brief intervention focused on Europe, where the Holy See noted that more than four years after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the humanitarian consequences remain severe. It reiterated its appeal for “an immediate cessation of hostilities,” stressing that “peace cannot be postponed” and welcoming continued efforts by States to host and support refugees, including the extension of temporary protection measures.