The Vatican’s Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations has emphasized the importance of protecting children’s rights in a statement presented on October 6.

“The promotion and the protection of the rights of the child cannot be separated from measures to support and strengthen the family,” said Monsignor Robert Murphy, Deputy Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly.

The priest said the family is the “natural and fundamental group unit of society” and called for policies that support parents and complement their roles, allowing “children to flourish as human beings”.

Monsignor Murphy reiterated the Holy See’s stance on the rights of unborn children, expressing opposition to abortion, especially sex-selective and eugenic abortion, as well as criticizing assisted reproduction methods like surrogacy for their alleged infringement on the dignity and rights of the child.

The Holy See’s representative highlighted the need to protect children from exploitation and abuse in the Digital realm. He condemned child pornography and raised concerns about the accessibility of adult pornography to children due to digital technologies. 

The priest said a society with a high prevalence of internet-based explicit content among adults may struggle to effectively safeguard minors.

To address these challenges, the Holy See stressed the importance of digital education for both children and parents.

It is a mistake to think that a society where an abnormal consumption of internet sex is rampant among adults could be capable of effectively protecting minors,” he said. 

Children’s digital education should be founded on respect for the equal dignity of all individuals and should include measures to prevent and address cyberbullying. 

He said parents should be informed about the risks associated with technology use and equipped with guidance on promoting safe and healthy digital habits among their children.