National regulation and international control must be improved to prevent systematic human rights violations in areas rich in natural resources.

Interview by Luis Vélez Serrano with Yanina Welp, Researcher at the Albert Hirschman Center for Democracy, Geneva. Yanina Welp was the academic director of the 5th Podium on Mechanisms of Direct Democracy in Latin America, University of Zurich 2019. Pre-podium interview round of the 7th Podium, University of Geneva 03.13.2023.

 

—What do you think are the priorities for sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean?

— I won’t be original with my answer. According to the report “Unequal and Deadly” by Amnesty International and the Center for Economic and Social Rights, the region has been disproportionately affected by the pandemic: with just 8.4% of the world’s population, it suffered 28% of the world’s total deaths. The most affected were historically marginalized groups. Problems: an economic model highly dependent on external fluctuations and therefore vulnerable, inefficient and regressive tax systems, captured states, inequality. I therefore believe that strengthening the state and democracy and promoting ecologically and socially sustainable development models should be among the priorities.

 

—What actions would you propose to the UN International Organizations on sustainable development?

— I think that national regulation and international control need to be improved to prevent systematic violations of human rights in areas rich in natural resources; greater proximity to communities is needed. In recent years, in addition to a new growth in poverty, there has been a dramatic increase in illegal economies, drug trafficking and violence. In this scenario, the challenges do not only concern development and the environment, but also the declining confidence in democracy and the rule of law. The only way to avoid the rise of authoritarian options is to demonstrate that adequate responses can be given from within democracy and international organizations can operate as safeguards in this regard, although it is clear that they do not have the authority to act radically, their contribution can be very relevant.

 

— Any comments, criticisms, suggestions for the UN International Organizations?

— The work carried out by international organizations is often too slow and not well communicated. I think it is important that they also review their processes, become more transparent and communicate better.

 

— Thank you very much Yanina!