Archbishop Francis Chullikatt, Holy See permanent observer to the United Nations in New York, issued a statement calling for the adoption of a treaty banning the transfer of arms when violations of humanitarian or human rights are taking place. The statement was read during the Final Conference of the UN's Arms Trade Treaty, which is taking place in New York until 28 March.

In his message, the unucio urged “delegations to work together in a consensual manner in order to achieve a historic treaty to control the international trade in arms.” He recalled that, since the start of negotiations, the Holy See has called for “a strong, effective and credible Arms Trade Treaty which will have a real and lasting impact on all people longing to live in a more secure and safe world”.

Une enquête de l'ONU sur la situation des droits de l'homme dans le sud du Masisi dans la province du Nord-Kivu, République démocratique du Congo, a révélé qu'au moins 264 civils, dont 83 enfants, ont été arbitrairement exécutés par des groupes armés au cours de plus de 75 attaques de villages entre avril et septembre de cette année

The Message, entitled “Educating Young People in Justice and Peace”, which was made public on 8 December, conveys His Holiness’ conviction of the importance of the duty that we all share to educate the young in promoting justice and peace. There is indeed an urgent need in the world today to listen to and enhance the significant role of new generations in the realization of the common good, and in the affirmation of a just and peaceful social order where fundamental human rights can be fully expressed and realized.

 The Pope invites young people to keep alert in today’s troubled world and to seek justice and peace even if it implies opposing the general trend, because peace is not only a blessing to receive but an objective that we should all strive to attain.