23/6/2006
LDCs show Better Gender Equality And Living Standards But No Improvement in Chronic Poverty

A number of factors such as increased devlopment aid, rising oil prices and domestic reforms have led to better living standards for many Least Developed Countries (LDCs), the UN said this week. However, extreme poverty has deepened.

Health and education standards have generally improved and gender equality is now more respected, but overall poverty rates are not improving, the 2006 annual progress report on the implementation of the Programme of Action on LDCs said.

Overall social indicators remain a cause for concern, the report warns.

“The message we are getting from the LDCs is that they are working hard to take advantage of economic opportunities and to use effectively the assistance from international partners,” said Anwarul Chowdhury, the UN’s High Representative for the LDCs, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States.

“It is important that the international community stays the course on promised aid, debt relief and tariff-free access for LDC exports, as populations in these countries continue to struggle to escape extreme poverty.”

More than half of the 50 LDCs recorded average annual growth rates of 4 per cent or better during 2000-2004.

Foreign direct investment has generally been on the rise in these countries in general.

Trend lines for primary school education and gender quality in education, adult literacy, under-five and access to sanitation and clean water are largely positive.

However, chronic poverty is still worsened by diseases and pollution, high birth rates and an unequal distribution of resources.

Seven of these nations experienced declining life expectancy, often in countries affected by AIDS.