During the Conference on Disarmament, held in Geneva, the head of the UN warned of total stagnation caused by geopolitical divisions, relentless arms competition and the erosion of frameworks.

“We are witnessing the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons and the use of explosive devices in populated areas,” said the high representative at the event held parallel to the 55th session of the Human Rights Council.

Guterres pointed out the risks of developing scary new applications of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons systems.

The head of the UN acknowledged a failure in the Conference’s relationship with its very objectives, “as global trust crumbles, and because of this.”

Geopolitical divisions, relentless arms competition and the erosion of the frameworks created total stagnation, he asserted.

In this scenario, the head of the UN called to accelerate the implementation of instruments such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, and to put into force the Complete Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.

“The world must no longer remain hostage to these death devices; humanity needs the Conference on Disarmament to function successfully,” he said, urging an urgent reform.

The paralysis and stagnation that has defined it is something that is not acceptable, he insisted.

Chaired this year by Indonesia, the Conference on Disarmament was established since 1979 as an important forum for multilateral cooperation.

Currently, the event includes 65 countries meeting to negotiate international agreements in that field, including weapons of mass destruction.

The event has been held in the Swiss city since February 19 and will continue until March 15.

ef/npg/ebr