CIAO DATE: 09/2012
August 2012
Norwegian Peacebuilding Resource Centre
Latin America’s inequality ranks first in the world, constricting development and hindering citizenship. Inequality is a complex syndrome, transmitted from generation to generation and broader than poverty and income distribution. It includes wealth, education, health and spatial dimensions, and socio-political factors. Improvements in reducing poverty do not have automatic effects on reducing inequality. To tackle the inequality syndrome a comprehensive approach should be put in place. Equality of outcomes, equality of opportunities and equality of positions require differentiated public policies. Strategic areas for potential action are recognition of and voice for social groups such as women, ethnic minorities and castes, particularly in the political, economic, social and institutional fields. From a Latin American perspective, Norway’s international cooperation is important in the areas of science and technology, the role of the state, labour rights, sustainable development, peace and security, global health and the rights of minorities. Recommendations to address inequality through international cooperation ought to highlight strengthening of democratic institutions, enforcement of citizenship – especially labour rights – promotion of an active and strategic role for the state, implementation of due social policies – particularly higher education – and protection of the environment.
Resource link: International cooperation to reduce inequality [PDF] - 324K