Holy See tells UN to redirect arms funding to integral human development

The Holy See urged the United Nations to redirect funds from weapons to human development during a meeting on autonomous conventional weapons in New York.

Monsignor Christophe-Zakhia El-Kassis, the permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, expressed concern regarding the proliferation of autonomous conventional weapons. During his address to the UN General Assembly, El-Kassis stated that large military expenditures hinder the pursuit of just and lasting peace. He noted that the continuous increase in global military spending contrasts with the urgent need for humanitarian aid and development.

El-Kassis called for an urgent reorientation of investments toward the needs of people living in poverty to support integral human development.