Special Rapporteur sees rapid economic growth, persistent poverty in Timor Leste
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Magdalena Sepulveda
Timor-Leste has made significant progress towards the consolidation of peace and security and has experienced rapid economic growth, the UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights told the Human Rights Council in Geneva Thursday.
Ms. Magdalena Sepulveda Carmona, however, says a harsh reality of entrenched poverty and rising inequality hides behind rapid macroeconomic growth indicators.
“Recent economic growth has not translated into sustained improvement in living conditions or job creation fort the majority of Timorese people. Poverty remained pervasive and widespread, with 41% of the population living on less than one dollar per day. ”
Ms. Sepulveda says Timor Leste has committed to intensified efforts to eradicate poverty.
Duration: 18″
