Christophe Z. El Kassis, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, has urged the UN to redirect resources devoted to armaments towards humanitarian assistance and integral human development.
El Kassis expressed concern over the proliferation of conventional weapons and rising global military spending, during the thematic discussion on conventional weapons in the first committee of the 81st UN General Assembly.
He warned that the proliferation and use of conventional weapons erode mutual trust, thereby compromising the pursuit of a just and lasting peace. El Kassis described the surge in global military expenditure, estimated at $2.9 trillion in 2025 as ‘troubling.’
The Archbishop stressed that resources devoted to armaments could instead meet the urgent needs of people living in poverty, expand access to education and healthcare, and promote integral human development.
“The vast resources devoted to armaments are in stark contrast to the urgent need for humanitarian aid and development. “Redirecting these resources towards such priorities would contribute meaningfully to building a more just and lasting peace,” he stated.
El Kassis also addressed the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, which he said fuels violence and undermines development. He therefore called for stronger implementation of the UN Programme of Action to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects, together with the international tracing instrument.
He also voiced concern over withdrawals from the conventions on anti-personnel mines and cluster munitions, calling for the integrity of both treaties to be preserved and for their universal adoption to be promoted.
Turning to lethal autonomous weapons systems, he welcomed the progress made this year by the Group of Governmental Experts, while reiterating the Holy See’s call for “a legally binding instrument that establishes clear prohibitions and regulations of these systems.”
The Archbishop highlighted the “devastating humanitarian consequences of using explosive weapons in populated areas”.
According to him, the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and the lasting suffering inflicted on affected communities, underline the need for universal endorsement and effective implementation of the Political Declaration on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas, known as EWIPA.
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Seyi John Salau is a BusinessDay Correspondent with interest in development journalism, which tells stories that connect the people, brands, and the government. SeyiJohn is also a media professional with BSc, Mass Communition (ACU); Masters of School Media (MSM, Ibadan) & MSc, Mass Communication (Caleb).
