Global Issues
id21 is the free development research reporting service bringing you UK-sourced research on developing countries

Rights
Understanding ethnic identification in Peru
While prejudice against indigenous Peruvians is an unmistakable reality, it is hard to determine the nature of ethnic identity. There is no clear relationship in Peru between ethnic identity and markers of language or race. There is therefore little mobilisation along ethnic grounds compared to Bolivia, Ecuador and Guatemala – countries with similar histories.

African Human Rights Court fails to protect the rights of individuals and groups
When African states gave in to pressure to create an African human rights mechanism, they were more concerned with sovereignty and non-interference than with the protection of the rights of individuals and groups on the continent. As a result, weak institutions were created, catering to the interests of the state.

Global Economy
Tackling poverty with minimum wages in Brazil
Minimum wage legislation aims to tackle poverty by increasing the wages of the lowest-paid and most vulnerable workers. But evidence on the impact of minimum wages in developing countries, both in the public and private sectors, is not always conclusive. What impact is minimum wage legislation having on jobs and wages in Brazil?

Making choices: a framework for industrial policy
Deciding how to configure relationships with the global economy is a difficult task for policymakers, given the many choices and pressures.  The essence of different policy regimes can be brought out by distinguishing between low and high support for industry on the one hand, and between low and high challenge levels on the other. A framework which uses information on marketing and technology gaps to identify ways forward will provide an effective but less complex basis for selecting policy options.

Making corporate social responsibility effective
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become a badge of respectability for major companies. But voluntary initiatives to promote socially responsible business practices can never replace protective legislation. Nevertheless, financial incentives would increase their effectiveness and improved inspectorates could encourage small and medium sized firms to improve their labour practices.

Very poor countries need strong government for development
Some of the world’s least developed countries have achieved higher economic growth than more developed countries in recent years. But economic growth is not leading to sustained poverty reduction. Fundamental changes, led by governments, are needed for the benefits of economic growth to be shared by the poorer sections of society.

Other research highlights

Migrating out of poverty: the case of Moldova, Tajikistan, Kosovo and Georgia

Migration can contribute to development in Nigeria

Understanding the links between migration and development

Fighting child malnutrition through the Bangladesh Integrated Nutrition Project

Making decentralisation work for children in Andhra Pradesh, India