Improving the living conditions of the poor

 Peru, with a land area thirty times that of Switzerland, has a population of around 27.6 million. Massive rural-urban migration has led to 70% of inhabitants now living in cities. More than half the population lives below the poverty line, and just under one fifth in extreme poverty, which is leading to growing social tensions and violence. A large part of the population can only find work in the informal sector. Implementation of the programmes of the IMF and the World Bank has not led to a reduction in poverty. As part of the process of democratisation, the previously centralised, authoritarian state is embarking on decentralisation. The main objectives of Fastenopfer’s work in Peru are: Improving the quality of life of the people in the project areas, democratisation, promoting respect for human rights, religions and cultures. In all projects, key importance is given to equal rights between different cultures and between the sexes, as well as conflict prevention and resolution.

 Consultant and Programme officer

Hugo Orlando De la Cruz

Alicia Medina