Debt relief for developing nations a ‘moral responsibility'
Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations
By Devin WatkinsArchbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Holy See's Permanent Observer to the United Nations in New York, addressed two UN panels on the implementation of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
The Archbishop affirmed that the international community bears the 'moral and political responsibility' to help countries achieve sustainable development.
He focused especially on small island developing states, African countries, and developing nations in a pair of speeches in New York on July 16.
'The persistent and widespread reality of poverty,' said Archbishop Caccia, 'continues to afflict millions of people, denying them material wellbeing and undermining their God-given dignity, while stifling their integral human development.'
The Holy See, he added, believes firmly that the international community must remain focused on the goal of eradicating poverty, which he called both a 'moral imperative' and an economic exercise.
Many developing countries struggle with the burden of repaying unbearable sovereign debts, he said, noting that 3.4 billion people live in nations that spend more on interest payments than on healthcare and education combined.
'Providing debt relief is not an act of generosity,' he said, 'but a necessary step towards creating the fiscal space countries need in order to invest in integral development.'
Archbishop Caccia therefore called for 'immediate debt relief, including cancellation, and debt restructuring,' as well as access to grants to countries struggling with unsustainable debt levels.
Focusing on small island developing states, he said their debt burdens remain one of the biggest obstacles to the world achieving the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Around 40 percent of these countries are in debt distress, and bear a heavier burden from the ecological debt and environmental disasters that overwhelmingly affect developing nations.
'Debt relief alone is not a panacea,' said Archbishop Caccia. 'However, it has the potential to transform the development prospects of [small island developing states] by providing them with the fiscal space to invest in essential pillars, such as infrastructure, climate adaptation, health systems and education.'
In conclusion, the Holy See's representative at the UN called for renewed urgency in dealing with the debt crisis facing developing nations.
'As Pope Leo XIV powerfully stated,' he said, 'the Jubilee, which is being celebrated this year by the Catholic Church, 'asks of us the restitution and redistribution of unjustly accumulated wealth, as the way to personal and civil reconciliation'.'--Vatican News
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
36 minutes ago
- The Sun
Extremists using religion for politics must be condemned
KUALA LUMPUR: Those who adopt extremist ideologies and manipulate religion for political purposes must be strongly condemned, said Political Secretary to the Finance Minister, Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim. He warned that such factions threaten national unity and must be rejected by all who seek peace. 'Praying for the destruction of fellow Muslims reflects a radical mindset that will ruin and divide the ummah. Clearly, this is a conduct of those who subscribe to the ideology of the Khawarij, perpetuating hatred in God's name for political gain,' he said in a post on X. The statement follows a recent rally where some participants, including opposition leaders, concluded with a prayer containing ill will towards Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Muhammad Kamil, who also heads PKR's youth wing, Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK), highlighted the misuse of religious symbols like the kopiah (skull caps) to manipulate public sentiment. 'The kopiah on one's head, which is meant to guide our conduct and behaviour, has sadly been reduced to a mere showpiece used to sway the minds of a confused and anxious society,' he added. He referenced the historical example of Abdul Rahman ibn Muljam, a devout man who assassinated Caliph Sayyidina Ali, believing himself more righteous. 'This is a lesson from history that we must fully comprehend,' he said. - Bernama
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
Malaysia reaffirms commitment to global landmine free advocacy
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia, as one of the first landmine-free countries in Asia, remains unwavering in its global advocacy to increase public awareness of the dangers posed by all forms of explosive remnants of war (ERW). Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Air Force chief General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris said Malaysia firmly believed that the harm caused by landmines far outweighs any perceived military utility. This conviction has led Malaysia to take a firm stand and actively support the global effort towards a landmine-free world, including through a defence cooperation programme in demining and mine destruction with different countries. He said the Malaysian armed forces continue to contribute to humanitarian efforts in mine-affected countries such as Cambodia and Bosnia. "While it is true that we are already becoming a landmine-free country, we maintain an unwavering obligation to provide support to the victims of landmines. "In Malaysia, the support was provided through the Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Affairs Department, which offers various forms of assistance and support to veterans, including financial assistance, welfare programmes, and assistance with employment and healthcare," he said in his keynote address during the International Seminar Towards a Landmine-free World - Case of Azerbaijan, here on Monday. Muhamad Norazlan noted that according to the Landmines Monitor 2024 report, at least 5,757 people have been either killed or wounded by landmines and other ERWs worldwide in 2023. In Azerbaijan alone, there have been 3,400 victims of landmines in the last 30 years, with an estimated 1.5 million landmines still hidden. He said this is not just mere statistics, but represents real people whose lives have been irrevocably impacted by these indiscriminate weapons. He hoped such a seminar would serve as a platform to advocate for increased international aid, promote comprehensive victim support, and recognise demining as an essential component of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the United Nations Human Rights Council's Resolution 58/22 on the impact of anti-personnel mines on the full enjoyment of all human rights. Meanwhile, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Malaysia, Irfan Davudov, said the seminar jointly organised by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) and Azerbaijan's Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights is an example of the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries. He believes that insights into Malaysia's experience in combating the threat of landmines will be very valuable and useful for the attendees, including the participants from Azerbaijan. – Bernama
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Russia urged to stop trafficking of migrant women by UN experts
GENEVA: United Nations experts have called on Russia to take urgent action against the trafficking and forced labour of migrant women, describing conditions akin to modern slavery. Reports indicate dozens of women from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan were deceived with job offers, only to have their documents seized and endure gruelling work without pay. The UN special rapporteurs on human rights in Russia, contemporary slavery, trafficking, and migrant rights issued a joint statement detailing severe abuses. 'Victims were reportedly subjected to torture, sexual violence and forced abortions, and their children were abducted,' they said. Experts highlighted a long-standing system of exploitation, with Russian authorities failing to investigate despite decades of complaints. 'The lack of effective and timely investigations and the fact that perpetrators are not held accountable fuels impunity which is unacceptable,' they stated. Russia's lack of a comprehensive anti-trafficking law and criminalisation of aiding undocumented migrants further deter victims from seeking help. The experts urged immediate action, including investigations and cooperation with Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan to ensure justice. – AFP
