The Struggle For Indigenous Rights In Latin America - Research Paper Example

 The Struggle For Indigenous Rights In Latin AmericaIntroductionLatin America is a section of the Americas that comprise of countries where Romance languages are used as the means of passing information. The Latin America comprises of twenty sovereign states that occupy an approximate area of 19.2 sq km. The region is a resident for over 600 million people having a population density of approximately 30 people per square kilometer. There are various challenges that affect daily lives of indigenous people in Latin America and they should be addressed within the soonest time possible.

Job opportunitiesThe indigenous people in Latin America are facing the challenge of unemployment. A recent study showed that millions of indigenous people have not secured formal employment. Racial discrimination and ethnicity have hindered acquisition of well-paying jobs for the indigenous Latin Americans. In this regard, some indigenous residents have migrated to urban areas in the quest for better living standards (Kay 450). Unfortunately, the people who migrate to urban areas secure poorly paying jobs that cannot sustain the basic family needs.

Apparently, lack of jobs and poor payment has resulted in poor living conditions for the indigenous people in Latin America. Poor educationMost indigenous Latin Americans have no access to quality education. In addition, the existing education system does not reflect the cultural needs of the indigenous population. The cultural structure and beliefs face the danger of extinction. In fact, the future generation might not have the privilege to enjoy the rich indigenous culture and religious practices.

Poor access to healthcareAccess to health facilities and services is a great challenge facing the indigenous people in Latin American (Gracey and King 67). The high poverty levels, ignorance, and discrimination have made access to good healthcare a challenge to the indigenous people. Many indigenous people die, and others fail to perform daily chores due to illnesses since they cannot access medication. Comparison between early and current situationDespite the challenges of education and job opportunities, the present condition of indigenous people Latin Americans is better than in the olden days.

Postero and Leon 209, migration to the urban areas by some indigenous people can be applauded for opening new settlements in towns and enlightening the local people on economic matters. In addition, some people have been able to acquire quality education and have secured formal employment. The living standards of the indigenous Latin Americans have changed gradually over the years. However, the issue of discrimination has remained a major challenge that requires rapid response in order to upgrade the living standards of the indigenous population (Ruedin 337).

ConclusionIndigenous people in America have faced many challenges from the early to present days. The common challenges facing the indigenous Latin people in America include poor access to medication, low education standards and discrimination along the racial and ethnic lines. However, the current situation is better compared with the ancient situation. The government and human rights organizations should join hands to ensure that equality is enhanced in all spheres of life. In essence, people should be given equal opportunities in leadership, health, and education sectors.

Works cited:Gracey, Michael, and Malcolm, King. "Indigenous health part 1: determinants and disease patterns." The Lancet 374.9683 (2009): 65-75. Print.Kay, Cristóbal. "Rural Poverty and Development Strategies in Latin America."Journal of Agrarian Change. 6.4 (2006): 455-508. Print.Postero, Nancy G, and Leon Zamosc. "The Struggle for Indigenous Rights in Latin America." Journal of Latin American Anthropology. 11.1 (2006): 208-210. Print.Ruedin, Didier. "Ethnic group representation in a cross-national comparison.

"The Journal of Legislative Studies 15.4 (2009): 335-354. Print.