CC Image courtesy of gregwest98 on Flickr
WASHINGTON, DC (April 27, 2020) Today, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute released their annual report on Global Military Expenditures, which exceeded $1.9 trillion in 2019. In response, 39 U.S.-based think-tanks, non-profits, and faith-based organizations released a statement calling on the U.S. government to reduce military spending. Several groups are also hosting a prerecorded virtual press conference in response.
“These numbers would be staggering in any context, but in the middle of a global pandemic we have even more reason to be alarmed,” said Tori Bateman, Policy Advocacy Coordinator for the American Friends Service Committee. “Instead of spending trillions on preparing for destructive wars, the United States and other countries across the globe should be protecting and providing for their people by investing in public health.”
Signatories of the statement include the Center for International Policy, Presbyterian Church USA, and Win Without War. The full statement can be found here.
WHAT: Virtual press briefing in response to increase in global military spending.
WHO: American Friends Service Committee, National Priorities Project, Public Citizen, +Peace, WAND, United Church of Christ, and Beyond the Bomb.
WHERE: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanFriendsServiceCommittee/
WHEN: Monday, April 27 at 10:00 am ET
This event is part of the Global Days of Action on Military Spending (GDAMS), which this year are taking place between the 10th of April and the 9th of May.
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The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organization that includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice, peace and humanitarian service. Its work is based on the belief in the worth of every person and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice.