HOLY SEE ADDRESSES SEMINAR ON JUDICIAL SYSTEMS AND HUMAN RIGHTS

VATICAN CITY, APR 27, 2002 (VIS) - A Seminar sponsored by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe was held April 23-25 in Warsaw, Poland on the topic "Judicial Systems and Human Rights." Msgr. Ettore Balestrero represented the Holy See at this meeting and addressed the assembly on April 23. That speech was published today.

In opening remarks he noted that "judicial systems constitute a progressive conquest of civilization and of respect for human dignity. Therefore, they contribute to the cultural heritage of humanity and they have always been part of the cultural heritage of the Church." He went on to say that "the success of the rule of law cannot be separated from the recognition of and from respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, which no human institution can alter or eliminate. The defense and promotion of democracy therefore requires respect for human rights."
Msgr. Balestrero observed that "no single human right is safe if we do not commit ourselves to respect all human rights." He said that endangering or violating one right by claiming to protect others, is in fact, endangering all rights. He also stated that what counts in any juridical system is "justice, and beyond that, the human being."

"As far as access to justice is concerned," he said, "the Holy See underlines the need to avoid: abuses fueled by the desire to create scandals instead of seeking restoration of a denied right or compensation for a harm inflicted; high costs that make it more difficult for the poor to have access to justice." He stated the Holy See's conviction of the need for "the independence of judges and the impartial operation of the public judicial service."

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