SEDI - DSDL - Department of Social development and Labor

The eradication of poverty and inequality are the most urgent challenges that are faced throughout the Hemisphere faces, and require immediate attention. Almost 43 % of the population, 222 millions of people, live under poverty in Latin America and the Caribbean . And two of every five children live in extreme poverty. Even though it is not the poorest region in the world, it has the most unequal distribution of income of the world. The OAS has a crucial role to play in responding to these challenges though its multilateral efforts and within the framework of partnership for development.

The concern for social development has been always present on the declarations and actions of the OAS since its creation. This has been clearly expressed through some of the instruments of the Organization, such as OAS Charter, specifically in its Chapter VII; The Strategic Plan of Partnership for Development; the Inter-American Program of Combat Poverty and Discrimination; the Declarations and conclusions of the Summit of the Americas and High level Ministerial Meetings and relevant Inter-American Committees; and the Additional Protocol of the American Convention on Human Rights- “Protocol of San Salvador”. At present times, the OAS is drafting the Social Charter of the Americas and its Plan of Action, instrument that will include the principles of social development and would establish specific goals and objectives that will strengthen the existing instruments on democracy, integral development and fight against poverty, according with the resolutions AG/RES 2056(XXXIV-O/04) y AG/RES. 2154 (XXXV-O/05) of the General Assembly state.

The Department of Social Development and Labor supports member States on their multilateral efforts addressing these challenges and on the fulfillment of the mandates received by the relevant political forums, specially those refereeing to the promotion and strengthening of horizontal cooperation.

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FIRST MEETING OF MINISTERS AND HIGH AUTHORITIES OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
December, 2006
San Salvador , El Salvador

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XIII ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE SOCIAL NETWORK FOR LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
August 16 – 19, 2006
Trinidad & Tobago
Visit the website of the Social Network >>

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LEARNING COMMUNITIES: The Experience of the Program Puente-Chile Solidario
Critical transference workshop to strengthen horizontal cooperation
July 18 – 22, 2005
Viña del Mar, Chile
More information >>

International Workshop: Learning Communities:
The experience of the Program Puente – Chile Solidario >>

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FIRST MEETING OF THE INTER-AMERICAN COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
The Inter-American Committee on Social Development (CIDES) held its First Meeting on April 5 – 6, 2004 in Santiago, Chile.
See the Documents of the Meeting >>

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