8.6B - Health and Education Variation
Differences in rights are frequently reflected in differences in levels of health and education. (indigenous populations in both North and South America)
The lack of human rights among women and minority religious/ethnic groups has a direct influence on quality of life. Many countries have laws that in theory should protect such groups and prevent discrimination, but these are widely ignored. This combines with prejudice among the wider population to deny access to key services and opportunities to these groups (housing, employment, education, healthcare.)
The USA
- % that own home - 53% American and Alaskan Natives, 63% general population
- High school diploma - 83% vs 87%
- Average income - $38,500 vs $55,750
- Households in poverty - 27% vs 15%
- No health insurance - 21% vs 9%
- Life expectancy - 73 vs 79
Latin America
In Latin America there are about 45 million indigenous people, or 8% of the total population. Many live in rural areas, and a small number still lead an isolated, tribal lifestyle in places such as the Amazon Basin.
Indigenous groups frequently lack access to services and opportunities, as well as suffering discrimination because of ethnicity.
Brazil:
Women with 13 years of education - 14% (indigenous) vs 27% (non indigenous, of largely white ancestry)
Bolivia
Contraceptive use among women - 56% vs 69%
Peru
Infant mortality rate (per 1000 live births) - 38 vs 11
Mexico
Births attended by skilled medical staff - 81% vs 98%
Indigenous groups frequently lack access to services and opportunities, as well as suffering discrimination because of ethnicity.
Brazil:
Women with 13 years of education - 14% (indigenous) vs 27% (non indigenous, of largely white ancestry)
Bolivia
Contraceptive use among women - 56% vs 69%
Peru
Infant mortality rate (per 1000 live births) - 38 vs 11
Mexico
Births attended by skilled medical staff - 81% vs 98%