(Dec. 07, 2011) The Holy See welcomes the fact that next year the economic and environmental
dimension will focus on good governance issues and will take into account the common
good of all the people, said Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Vatican’s Secretary for
Relations with States. The prelate made the statement at the Ministerial Council
of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe –OSCE. The two-day council
that concludes Wednesday is being held in Vilnius, Lithuania. Archbishop Mamberti
said that a democratic good governance should promote participation in public life
of all people living in society,including Churches, religious communities and believers.
Referring to Pope Benedict XVI’s message for the World Day of Peace 2011, Archbishop
Mamberti said the Holy Father insisted that “at present, Christians are the religious
group, which suffers most from persecution on account of its faith”. He said this
situation is unacceptable, since it represents an insult to God and to human dignity
and is a threat to security and peace and an obstacle to the achievement of authentic
and integral human development. Archbishop Mamberti also lamented trafficking in human
beings, especially of women and minors, carried out not just for sexual exploitation
but also for labour exploitation and domestic servitude, and has become a powerful
global business involving many countries of origin, transit and destination. To counteract
this scourge of trafficking in human beings with greater determination and more concrete
results, he said united efforts are necessary - a mentality that is centered
on the unique dignity of every person: a sure punishment of traffickers; a fight against
corruption and the fairness of the media in reporting damages created by trafficking.
Archbishop Mamberti said that the working together of public and private institutions,
including religious ones, and the contribution of volunteers will guarantee that no
person may be bought or sold in violation of his fundamental rights and dignity.
In conclusion he said “The Holy See welcomes Mongolia’s desire to become the 57th
OSCE participating State and looks forward to working with it and all other states
to contribute to the implementation of OSCE commitments.