Paraguay

Although statistically, the percentage of people living below the poverty line is estimated to be 32%, in reality the poverty faced daily by Paraguayans is difficult to imagine by most United States citizens. Over 1/3 of the population lives on less than $1 a day and 70% live on less than $2 a day. The two most affected populations are the youth and the peasant population. The mortality rate of children under 5 is four times higher than that in the United States because 45% of children under 5 live in poverty.

Paraguay’s peasant population includes about half of the country’s population. Of the peasant population, about 62% live in poverty. Among the main causes of the impoverishment of the peasant population is the lack of access to land because it is poorly distributed.

Most families consist of at least four people that live in a one room shack. Only the wealthiest residents have shoes and many families do not even have enough money to clothe their children. It is no surprise that surprise to find that over half of the houses in one particular region, Tobati, lack running water and electricity. Because Paraguayans are so impoverished they face numerous health risks including a serious problem with parasite, which is contracted though consumption of unsanitary water and food.

In Paraguay serious human right problems were found with killings by the police and violence and severely deficient prison conditions. Security forces were responsible for killing people with the use of excessive or unwarranted force. There were reports of deaths in custody and of police officers killing persons while acting outside the scope of their duties. On several occasions, police used force to disperse illegal protesters, which resulted in injuries and deaths.

Prison conditions were found to be extremely poor. Unsanitary living conditions, mistreatment and overcrowding were the most serious problems found to be affecting all prisoners. In Tacumbu prison, 3,000 prisoners were held for most of the year, although the facility was built to only hold 800 inmates. Regional prisons were usually found to hold three times more inmates than their original capacity, severely affecting the prisoner’s living conditions and the security of the facilities. For example, in Tacumbu prison, only 130 guards were responsible for 3,000 prisoners. Inmates frequently had weapons and escapes as well as escape attempts were frequent. To top it all of, corruption among prison guards and judicial officials further jeopardizes the legal system.

AIDS in Parguay affects 0.4% of the population. However, it is suspected that like most other diseases, the prevalence rate is underreported. Out of the 13,000 people living with HIV/AIDS, the majority of those affected by HIV/AIDS are men. Only 26% of the population affected are women, while 74% are men. The rural parts of Paraguay, especially along the borders with Argentina and Brazil are particularly affected. Because 40% of AIDS cases are due to heterosexual transmission, and 34% due to men having sex with other men, it is clear that better methods of protection is needed. Additionally because AIDS is spread for the most part through sex, and not by intravenous usage, hints that ignorance about the disease is widespread. Because treatment for AIDS is very expensive and Paraguay is such an impoverished country, most people living with HIV/AIDS cannot afford the medications needed. Even after the ART (Anti-retroviral treatment) program was established, the total number of patients receiving treatment only stood at 620 in 2005.

One of the main environmental issues in Paraguay is deforestation. The expansion of agriculture has severely threatened Paraguay’s forests. About one third of the nation’s forests and woodland area has already been lost, and more areas continue to be lost as time passes. Between 1990 and 2000, experts estimate that Paraguay lost 0.5% of its forests each year. Another side effect from deforestation is the loss of soil through erosion, from the absence of trees. Because forests are also an important source of storing carbon as well as allowing more biodiversity, deforestation leads to more carbon emissions and less biodiversity.

Another issue that affects Paraguay is water pollution. Many of the country’s rivers are polluted from toxic dumping. Additionally, tanneries release harmful substances such as mercury and chromium into rivers and streams. Paraguay’s waters are also affected by the runoff from toxic chemicals used by farmers. Furthermore, industrial pollutants and sewage also damage the water. Because of the many different sources of water pollution, it is no surprise to find that only 59% of rural people have access to pure drinking water.

The education system in Paraguay does not adequately provide for the educational needs of the population. Although education is legally compulsory from ages 6-14, the government was unable to fully implement the law because of inadequate funds. The national literacy rate of the population is 91.6%, but the number of schools is more than inadequate. Of the 958,700 students that were enrolled in primary schools, only 367,600 attended secondary schools and only 43,200 proceeded to attend institutions of higher education. There are more people who want to pursue secondary and higher education, than spaces available to them.

The role of higher education is characterized by a lack of professional teaching standards, insufficient coverage, highly rigid administration, and inadequate moral and intellectual development of students. Additionally, although boys and girls are entitled to equal treatment in education, female access to education is lower, especially in rural areas.

Coordinadora por los Derechos de la Infancia y la Adolescencia (CDIA) is an organization that promotes and defends children’s rights. They attempt to make children aware of their rights as well as make sure that children’s rights are being legislated. They also assist in cases of adoptions, sexual abuse, infantile mistreatment and sexual traffic as well as in the education arena and with public policies.

Kansas-Paraguay Partners, Inc. is a volunteer organization that intends to strengthen the link between Kansas and Paraguay through the development of community-based projects designed to benefit both sides of the partnership. Men and women from all walks of life participate in the program. Some of the many committees that KPP participates in, include agriculture, emergency preparedness, health, international trade, cultural arts, and university linkage. Clearly, KPP takes part in many different areas in both sides of the partnership helping people excel in whatever field necessary.

Organizacion Internacional Pronversion Comercio y Medioambien is an organization that tries to find a balance between the environmental protection and economic growth of Paraguay. They promote the country’s economic development through foreign investments and new market establishment in Europe, Asia, and the United States. They intend to create new job opportunities and provide sufficient training. However, it is important that economic development does not jeopardize Paraguay’s natural resources. They spread awareness about the importance of reforestation as well as the preservation of Paraguay’s natural resources.

ProJOVEN Paraguay is an organization dedicated to helping troubled adolescents in Paraguay. They assist youths by providing early-intervention programs for youths in trouble with the law and keeping troubled youths involved in daily education and training activities. They believe that when troubled youths are given second chances and opportunities to develop their skills, positive behaviors increase, keeping youths away from conflict with the law. With just a little help, at-risk youths, can develop into productive citizens.

International Partners is an organization that supports local leaders in the world’s poorest countries. International Partners strives to teach and recruit volunteers to have the same energy and expertise as volunteers in the United States. These volunteers assist in the academic arena within their country and they help teachers make their students aware about domestic violence.