“This reduction implies the release of funds for development and a shift of the labour force previously dedicated to military industries toward peaceful activities, protection of human rights, conservation of the environment, the eradication of illiteracy, promotion of education and scientific research together with enhanced efforts to reach the Millennium Development Goals and implement the agenda for the post-2015 period.”

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.