“Guinea-Bissau must immediately address the critical needs of the poorest” – UN poverty expert
BISSAU (28 February 2014) – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Magdalena
Sepúlveda, today called on the political and military authorities of Guinea-Bissau “to address the critical needs of the
poorest and most marginalized as a matter of priority.”
“The people of Guinea-Bissau cannot wait any longer for state policies to become effective,” Ms. Sepúlveda said* at the
end of her visit to the country. “All State authorities must act with the vision to ensure that all women, children,
young adults, and future generations to come, will have a better life in Guinea-Bissau.”
“Guinea-Bissau has an opportunity to progress, but it must agree on a common vision which moves the country’s politics
away from short-term power struggles and towards working for the well-being of all members of society, especially those
living in abject poverty,” the human rights expert stressed.
The Special Rapporteur noted that steps adopted to improve the country’s legal framework have had limited success in
improving the situation of the poorest Guinea-Bissauns. “Development depends on giving priority to investment in social
services such as health and education and the strengthening of the agricultural sector to ensure food security,” she
stressed.
Ms. Sepúlveda was struck by the extent to which the social and financial wellbeing of the community and households rely
entirely on women. “Women and girls are Guinea-Bissau’s foundational pillar, yet their reward is a neglect of their
rights and needs,” she said.
“They have limited access to services such as education, health and justice and are victims of sexual violence,
exploitation, forced marriage and adolescent pregnancies, despite their tireless effort to secure the wellbeing of their
families and communities,” the expert underscored.
Compared with men, women suffer from less access to health services, higher incidence of HIV/AIDS, lower levels of
school enrolment, lower literacy rates, reduced incomes, higher rates of unemployment and greater difficulties in
overcoming poverty. “The incidence of women living with HIV/AIDS and rates for maternal mortality in Guinea-Bissau are
among the worst in the world,” she warned.
“I am leaving the country with a profound sense of admiration for the resilience and courage of Guinea-Bissaun women,”
the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights said.
The human rights expert visited the Biombo, Quinhamel, Mansoa, Bissorã, Mansaba and Nhacra regions, where she met with
Government officials, civil society organizations and communities living in poverty.
In her preliminary findings at the conclusion of her visit, Ms. Sepúlveda called for systematic structural changes to
tackle impunity, ensure access to justice, address education and agricultural reforms, and address gender inequality.
She also provided specific recommendations in the areas of health, education, employment, social protection, and access
to land, and gender equality.
The Special Rapporteur will present a full report on Guinea-Bissau to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2014.
ENDS