Holy See Urges Disarmament and Civilian Protection
Bishop Issouri in Stripro,the permanent observer of the Apostolic Chair to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva,has strongly advocated for increased disarmament efforts and greater obligation towards civilians impacted by armed conflict. Speaking at the thirteenth meeting on the agreement of cluster bombs,he emphasized the urgent need to restore a peaceful balance in international relations.
The Holy See reaffirmed its commitment to encouraging global adherence to the cluster munitions agreement, particularly highlighting the importance of victim assistance and preventative measures. Bishop Stripro expressed gratitude for the philippines’ commitment and urged the Vanatu Republic to join the agreement, stating that adherence to international law is “a noble form of responsibility towards all humanity,” not a sign of weakness.
He lamented the continued use of cluster bombs and their devastating consequences for civilians, stressing that disarmament treaties represent both a legal and moral obligation to future generations. The Apostolic Chair also pointed to a stark disparity between global military expenditures - exceeding $2.7 trillion last year – and the limited resources allocated to aiding conflict victims, feeding the hungry, and promoting human development, calling this imbalance a “shame and scandal.”
Bishop Stripro underscored that while self-defense is a “legitimate and necessary right,” it should not escalate into an arms race. He emphasized that the right to self-defense is not absolute and must be balanced with efforts to minimize conflict causes and limit military capabilities to what is necessary for legitimate security. He concluded by calling for “firm” and “effective” negotiations on disarmament and armament control, emphasizing that helping victims is a “shared responsibility” rooted in international cooperation and solidarity.
