CHILD POVERTY AND INEQUALITY: THE WAY FORWARD

(Barry) #1

markets as a strategy to raise demand and promote economic


growth. This happened through public policies that focused on


generating employment and household income, ensuring access to


land and assets, as well as infrastructure and services, and enhancing


human capital and labour productivity. Likewise, developing


country governments can focus on expansionary macroeconomic


policies that support employment and broad-based economic


activities, introduce new schemes to extend health services and


social protection for all, and invest in education, water supply,


sanitation, food security and nutrition.


Last but not least, inequality matters to political stability. Gross


inequities tend to generate intense social tensions and even violent


conflict. Equitable policies, on the other hand, are able to enlist the


political support of citizens in democratic systems, and can build


social stability.


A more equitable world can be achieved. This requires action at


national and international levels.


Some questions for policy makers include:



  • How can national development strategies and socio-economic


recovery plans address inequality and better prioritize the needs
and rights of lower income groups?


  • How can inclusive development outcomes be accelerated?

  • How can governments best guarantee the right to food,


housing, education and medical care, along with the right to
employment and social security, with special attention to
families and children?


  • How can employment-generating activities at the local level be


fostered, including decent employment for young people?



  • Are all possible fiscal space options being considered to ensure


a Recovery for All and accelerate inclusive development?



  • How can government spending be refocused on the bottom


quintiles to push them up? Is the government doing all that it
can?


  • Are the long-term economic, social and political costs of leaving


out low- and middle-income households and vulnerable
children in the current economic crisis being considered?
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