2009 Report
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This report breaks new ground in applying a human development approach to the study of migration.
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To focus attention on the most deprived people and deprivations in basic human capabilities in a country, not on average national achievement. The human poverty indices focus directly on the number of people living in deprivation – presenting a very different picture from average national achievement. It also moves the focus of poverty debates away from concern about income poverty alone.
To highlight the presence of human poverty in both the rich and poor countries. High income per person is no guarantee of a poverty-free country. Even among the richest countries, there is human poverty. The latest human poverty index for OECD countries (HPI-2) shows that the human poverty levels of a country like the United States – where income per capita is amongst the top 5 in the category – is more than double that in Sweden, a country where income per capita represents only 80 percent of that of the United States.
To guide national planning for poverty alleviation. Many National Human Development Reports now break down the HPI by region or other socioeconomic groups to identify the areas or social groups within the country most deprived in terms of human poverty. The results can be dramatic, creating national debate and helping to reshape policies.
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