March 3, 2021
46 th Session of the Human Rights Council. Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on Foreign Debt
March 3, 2021
“The principle that debts must be paid is certainly just. However, it is not right to demand or expect payment when the effect would be the imposition of political choices leading to hunger and despair for entire peoples. It cannot be expected that the debts which have been contracted should be paid at the price of unbearable sacrifices”. The Holy See considers it essential to adopt policies geared to the substantial reduction, if not forgiveness, of debt for less developed countries, as a sign of true solidarity, co-responsibility and cooperation among all involved in the fight against the globalCoronavirus pandemic.