News Arms Trade, demilitarize, Human Rights, Peace Economy, US Foreign Policy peace March 24, 2025 0 Comments

Why the U.S. Must Stop Fueling Global Conflict Now

A new report from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights delivers a powerful and urgent message: arms transfers are fueling global conflict and have deep and lasting consequences on human rights—and they cannot be treated as politically neutral or morally detached decisions.

The report, presented at the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council, outlines the global failure of both governments and private arms manufacturers to adequately prevent, address, and mitigate the human toll of arms transfers. The gaps are extensive and troubling—from corruption and lack of transparency to inadequate safeguards against global conflict and denial of justice for victims.

What’s at Stake?

Arms transfers today are fueling some of the most devastating conflicts of our time. From Sudan and Yemen to Myanmar and Gaza, weapons—often supplied by the world’s most powerful nations—are being used to commit serious violations of international law. Despite these risks, the report highlights that states continue to authorize arms exports to known violators, sidestepping international legal obligations under treaties like the Arms Trade Treaty and the Geneva Conventions.

Meanwhile, the private sector—especially large arms manufacturers—frequently shirks its responsibility to conduct due diligence. The report shows that many companies rely entirely on governmental licenses and rarely engage in independent assessments of human rights risks.

A U.S. Responsibility to Stop Fueling Global Conflict

The United States remains the world’s largest arms exporter. This places a unique burden on U.S. policy and business practices to meet global human rights standards. Yet, the report reveals a worrying pattern: U.S. laws often carve out exceptions for close allies and allow foreign policy objectives to override concerns about human rights abuses.

As the report notes, U.S. weapons continue to flow to countries involved in active conflicts, including Israel, despite documented civilian harm and ongoing investigations into possible war crimes. Risk assessments, when conducted at all, are frequently politicized or shrouded in secrecy.

Why This Matters to Peace Economy Project

At the Peace Economy Project, we advocate for a fundamental shift in how the United States approaches military spending and arms exports. We believe national security should not come at the expense of global human rights. The UN report confirms what we’ve long argued: militarism does not create peace. It undermines it—especially when arms are funneled into regions where civilians bear the brunt of conflict.

The money used to manufacture and distribute weapons of war could instead be invested in healthcare, education, housing, and renewable energy. Redirecting military budgets to meet human needs is not just good policy—it’s a moral imperative.

What Needs to Change

The UN report makes several key recommendations:

Strengthen legal frameworks to ensure arms are not exported to countries where they may be used to violate human rights.
Require arms companies to implement independent human rights due diligence, including in conflict zones.
Increase transparency around arms deals and export licenses.
Ensure access to justice for victims harmed by exported weapons.
End impunity by holding both governments and corporations accountable for complicity in international crimes.

At Peace Economy Project, we echo these calls. We urge Congress, the Department of State, and the U.S. arms industry to take immediate steps to align our country’s actions with its stated values. We must stop fueling violence abroad while communities at home go without basic necessities.