Madam Chair,

As the world faces “a third world war fought piecemeal”[1], the illicit proliferation and misuse of conventional weapons has become one of the most pressing security concerns at the national, regional and global levels. This alarming trend encompasses a wide range of conventional weapons that are not only used and sold, but also trafficked — often through illicit channels — in different regions of the world. Tens of thousands of people die or are injured every year as a result of conflicts fought primarily with these weapons of mass destruction in slow motion, with much of the violence taking place in crime-ridden areas outside of conflict, often at the hands of armed groups and terrorists. The proliferation of conventional weapons has serious consequences for both individuals and communities, hindering their development and contributing to instability.

In this context, the Holy See is deeply disturbed by the significant increase in global military spending, which hit a record $2.24 trillion in 2022.[2] This unprecedented increase in military spending is indicative of a worrying trend of prioritizing military investment over addressing critical humanitarian needs, fostering human integral development and promoting global peace. Pope Francis clearly denounced: “Why are deadly weapons being sold to those who plan to inflict untold suffering on individuals and society? Sadly, the answer, as we all know, is simply for money: money that is drenched in blood, often innocent blood”[3].

My Delegation strongly believes that the substantial resources currently wasted on weapons that cause destruction and harm could be used to achieve genuine global security or invested in the eradication of poverty, hunger, and malnutrition.

Madam Chair,

Despite these challenges, the international community has shown that joint efforts can indeed lead to progress in disarmament.

My Delegation welcomes the adoption by consensus of the Fourth Review Conference’s Program of Action (POA) to Prevent, Combat, and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons as an example of collective commitment to advancing global security with human dignity at its core.

As armed conflict spread into densely populated towns and cities, the use of explosive weapons becomes increasingly indiscriminate, resulting in unacceptable civilian casualties and the destruction of infrastructure vital to the survival of civilians, such as schools, hospitals and places of worship. The Holy See welcomes the adoption of the Political Declaration on the use of explosive weapons in populated areas and looks forward to a successful Fifth Review Conference of the Anti-Personnel Landmines Convention in Siem Reap in November.

Madam Chair,

Allow me to conclude by stressing that the development of new weapons without adequate human oversight raises ethical concerns that should not be ignored. In this regard, my Delegation supports the Secretary-General’s call for negotiations “to conclude, by 2026, of a legally binding instrument to prohibit lethal autonomous weapons systems that function without human control or oversight”[4]. In the meantime, the Holy See urges all States to refrain from developing such weapons, as they can never be morally responsible subjects and violate public conscience.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

[1] Pope Francis, Homily at Redipuglia War Memorial, 13 September 2014.

[2] Cfr. Small Arms and Light Weapons: Report of the Secretary General, S/2023/823.

[3] Pope Francis, Address to the Joint Session of the United States Congress, 24 September 2015.

[4] United Nations, Our Common Agenda Policy Brief 9: A New Agenda for Peace, July 2023.