Paraguayan bishops recall State has duty to provide security to citizens

Asunción, Paraguay, Sep 3, 2009 / 21:07 pm

The secretary general of the Bishops’ Conference of Paraguay said this week the State has “the duty to protect life and the goods of the person" as the South American country experiences an uptick in violence and criminal activity.
 
In a statement, the secretary general said society is being shaken by a lack of security, violence and crime.
 
“Theft and assault are unfortunately a part of the daily life of our country,” he said. “Violent crimes occur frequently, and they are often unsolved and remain under a shadow of suspicion and impunity,” he added.
 
For this reason there needs to be a structural review of government agencies to ensure that the State fulfills its duty to provide security, the bishop continued.
 
While all Paraguayans have the duty to create conditions that enable all citizens to lead of life of dignity and value, those in public office have a fundamental responsibility to carry out this task, he reminded government officials.
 
The secretary general called all Paraguayans to “a profound conversion to the Lord” in order to foster peace and harmony in their society.