the inequality front – many of the countries in Latin America with
some of the most historically entrenched inequalities have managed
to make such progress. So have countries like Malaysia. India stands
out for its persistent attempts – not always successful – to name
and tackle social exclusion. And South Africa has made major
strides in its efforts to reverse the inequalities of the past. These
countries, along with successful examples from elsewhere, highlight
the importance of certain policies:
- Comprehensive information policies. The level of
disaggregation of the information base from which we plan and
measure progress on development goals obviously has powerful
equity implications. But information and knowledge has other
value as well. It can help to address long-standing prejudices
and build more tolerant societies. And it is a critical resource
for excluded groups to understand and act on their rights and
entitlements.- Strengthening the resource base of marginalized groups.
This can be achieved through a variety of measures: protecting
customary land rights, land reform, asset transfers, establishing
user rights to natural resources, promoting residential security,
inclusive financial systems.- Investment in infrastructure and area-based development.
This can help to address the spatial disadvantages of
marginalized groups and improve their connectivity with the
rest of society.- Improving the outreach, quality and relevance of basic
social services. Financial access is important but so too are
questions of location and availability, language, attitudes and
behaviour and provision for voice and accountability.- Comprehensive social protection systems. This are
necessary not only to underwrite basic livelihood security in an
increasingly uncertain world but also to dissolve the relations of
fear and dependency that reproduce social exclusion in many
contexts- Finally, group-based exclusion requires group-based
solutions. Building the capacity of excluded groups to come
together around their shared needs and interests, their capacity
to make alliances with others in society concerned with social
justice and their capacity to participate in the collective