2008 Poverty and Inequality in Latin America

Briefing Papers

Poverty and Inequality in the Americas (back to current simulation)

To: The Participating Delegations in the Santiago and Caracas Meetings

Dear Participants,

As we prepare to gather in April, current headlines and reports -- from -- make the need for our conference all the more necessary.

· Mexico - Tens of thousands of farmers clogged the streets of the capital on Thursday to protest the end of tariffs on corn from the United States, warning that the elimination of trade barriers could drive them out of business and lead more Mexicans to migrate north.

· Colombia - Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators marched here and in other cities around Colombia on Monday to protest the abductions and killings carried out by the country's largest rebel group.

· Brazil - Early in the last century, Argentina was one of the world's 10 richest countries. Its fabled beef and other farm exports were building an industrial economy. In 1928, it had more cars than France and more telephone lines than Japan. But those days are deep in the past. Today, there are beggars in the streets of Buenos Aires; wealthy neighborhoods fall prey to thieves and crack-cocaine addicts.

· Peru - Thousands with limited opportunities at home are lured by pay; but for some who are injured or disabled, the cost his high.

· Bolivia - The country's first indigenous president is opposed in wealthier eastern regions where his vision of a socialist state finds few takers.

· Haiti - Facing successful interdiction in other areas, traffickers turn to the isolated, impoverished country, 'the weakest point in the region.'

Latin America is considered to be the most economically unequal continent in the world. In the context of these issues, the delegates will be asked to participate in committee discussions on: Governance, Security, Health, Education, Urbanization, Expression, and Economic Policy.

In preparation for the upcoming conference, each of the delegations is asked to submit a briefing paper to the conference organizers by March 19, 2008 . The briefing paper should provide concise information (bullet format where appropriate) on your country or organization in relation to the issues below. The briefing papers will be posted on the web site for all other delegations to read on March 26 - please email the briefing papers to heather.barry@tufts.edu.