Columbia International Affairs Online: Working Papers

CIAO DATE: 07/2014

The Laboratory of Development: The Impact of Social Policies on Children in Latin America and the Caribbean

David Steven, Alejandra Kubitschek Bujones

May 2014

Center on International Cooperation

Abstract

The Latin America and Caribbean region is distinguished by the range of policies that it has developed to respond to both the opportunities and risks of contemporary globalization. From efforts to increase macroeconomic stability and major programs of economic reform, through innovative investments in social welfare and protection, to fresh approaches to compensating those providing environmental goods and services, the region has been at the forefront of developing new economic, social, and environmental policies. Prepared at the request of UNICEF in Latin America and the Caribbean, this paper explores the concept of the region as a laboratory for development by focusing on progress made in meeting the region’s obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the policies that have supported this progress, and the lessons that can be drawn for children’s future prospects.