Danida-SP-ToC15-LAC regional,NIC,BOL,COL,MEX

Despite recent years’ economic growth and inequality reduction in Latin America, the region continues to be the most unequal region in the world. Extreme inequality, capture of political power by economic elites, impunity and violations of human rights are key challenges across the region, threatening democracy and sustainable economic growth. 2015 was the worst year on record for killings of land and environmental defenders in Latin America, a region which accounts for three-quarters of the total killings worldwide. Of these, 40 % of victims are indigenous, dying amid disputes over hydropower, mining and agri-business on their land. Indigenous peoples and women are also particularly vulnerable to and affected by extreme inequality which – together with the lack of employment and access to free quality education - is pushing adolescents into poverty and migration. Governments are at the same time increasingly facing challenges in mobilising domestic resources sparked by the reduction of commodity prices, threatening recent years’ achievements within social development. The situation calls for action in relation to Sustainable Development Goals 5, 8, 10 and 16 with a particular focus on youth. 1. Inclusive economies: If public awareness on inequality and government spending is increased, then civil society organisations can push policy-makers to increase domestic resource mobilization (DRM) and pro-poor public spending aiming at reducing inequality and improving public quality education. If respectful and trustful multi-stakeholder dialogue is established between civil society, private sector and governments, then National Action Plans can be elaborated, implemented, and monitored, ensuring national and foreign investments are in compliance with the UN Guiding Principles. 2. Democracy & human rights: If indigenous peoples, women, and youth are empowered and increase political participation, then they can hold governments accountable to comply with international conventions on human rights, women’s rights and indigenous peoples’ rights. If the general population becomes aware of and acknowledge the criminalisation of human rights defenders, impunity and gender inequality, then civil society organisations can push policy-makers to take protective measures, and implement necessary political reforms. Based on these assumptions the overall objective of the regional programme is to support the building and consolidation of democratic societies with inclusive and transparent economies benefitting poor and marginalised populations.