Holy See at UN: Redirect resources from arms to integral human development

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The Holy See has called for a redirection of resources from arms to integral human development during a meeting on conventional weapons at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Archbishop Christophe Z. El-Kassis, the permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, expressed concern about the proliferation and use of conventional arms, stating that they fuel conflicts and perpetuate violence, undermining mutual trust and compromising the pursuit of a just and lasting peace.

El-Kassis highlighted the alarming increase in global military spending, which reportedly reached nearly 2.9 trillion dollars in 2025. He noted that the vast resources allocated for armament starkly contrast with the urgent need for humanitarian aid and development. He emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting the integrity of the Anti-Personnel Mine Convention and the Convention on Cluster Munitions, urging for a legally binding instrument that establishes clear prohibitions and norms regarding lethal autonomous weapon systems.

Furthermore, he recalled that the decision to resort to lethal force should not be delegated to opaque or automated processes but must remain under effective, conscious, and responsible human control. El-Kassis also pointed to the devastating humanitarian consequences of using explosive weapons in populated areas, stressing the need to make the Political Declaration on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas universal.

In addition, the issue of illicit trade in small arms and light weapons was addressed, which he stated feeds violence and compromises development. El-Kassis called for strengthened implementation of the Action Programme to prevent, combat, and eliminate illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects, as well as the International Tracing Instrument.

Overall, he concluded that there is an urgent need to redirect resources allocated to armament towards the needs of those living in poverty, enhancing access to education and health assistance, and promoting integral human development. Only in this way can a more just and lasting peace be built.