“Even a cursory review of the situation worldwide reveals that, in many countries, accurate and understandable information on military expenditures is not available. In some countries, military activities are concealed by placing them under different rubrics such as energy, research or homeland security.”

Cuban-born American lawyer and writer

Alfred-Maurice de Zayas is a Cuban-born American lawyer and writer active in human rights and international law. He served as the first United Nations Independent Expert on the Promotion of a Democratic and Equitable International Order, in office from 1 May 2012 to 30 April 2018. His work centers on human rights and the legal questions that shape the international order. He is known for writing on these fields and for his role in the United Nations mandate on a democratic and equitable international order.