Cáritas Argentina and the Argentine Social Debt Observatory (ODSA-UCA) of the Argentine Catholic University presented the report X-ray of poverty in Argentina: social reality and solidarity that is hope within the framework of the Annual Cáritas Collection. The presentation took place last Monday, the 3rd, at the San Pedro Claver Community Center, of Cáritas Quilmes. They participatedMons. Carlos Tissera, bishop of Quilmes and president of Cáritas Argentina; Eduardo Donza, Researcher and Data Development Coordinator, specialist in Work and Inequality at the Argentine Social Debt Observatory of the UCA; Sofía Zadara, Graduate in Social Work, Executive Director of Cáritas Argentina and Karen Burgos, Social Worker in charge of supporting the Network of Community Centers of Itatí, Solano and Quilmes.

25 million people in poverty

The report presents that, in a context of decades of structural poverty, the situation of acceleration The inflationary spiral generated an increase in the population living in poverty and destitution.

Based on the ODSA-UCA data, between the measurements corresponding to the 3rd quarter of 2023 and the estimates – by micro simulations – for the 1st quarter of 2024, the poverty indicator would have increased from 44.7% of the population to 55.5% and the indigence indicator from 9.6% to 17.5%. Therefore, in the first quarter of 2024, 24.9 million people residing in urban areas of the country would have been in a situation of poverty, among which, 7.8 million people in a state of extreme poverty or destitution.

Researcher Eduardo Donzaunderlines that the Observatory's data may seem cold, but they represent a deep feeling: poor or indigent families who are hungry, unemployed without access to quality jobs, workers poor, mothers incapable of adequately raising their children due to lack of resources, young people who cannot study or work, and children and babies with development needs not covered by poverty.

"The current crisis has undoubtedly aggravated these problems that are structural in Argentine society. In this regard, let us keep in mind that during the first quarter, poverty has exceeded 50%, and the extreme poverty rate has reached 18% of the population."

The report also contemplates From the poverty data presented previously, the topics of total food insecurity (when meals are not complete) and severe food insecurity (when hunger is frequently experienced), with details of the risks; infant and maternal mortality; education; labor market; sale and trafficking of drugs in the neighborhoods. To access the full report, click here.

Responses from Argentine society

Donza stated that, fortunately, there are aid systems, both from Cáritas and other organizations, that create compensatory food schemes. And it makes it possible for 50% of children under 18 years of age to attend school or community soup kitchens.

Other aid mechanisms are, for example, the Food Card, a State aid instrument that, through the Universal Child Allowance, reaches 42.6% of children. And also the bags of food, which reach the homes of 37% of the children. However, this help must be expanded, both by the State and by private parties. The recent increases announced by the Government for this month help in this sense to alleviate the current crisis.

Sofía Zadara detailed the Cáritas programs, including education, early childhood, social and solidarity economy, and food response. Zadara stressed the importance of Cáritas' capillarity, which allows direct and human attention to the people most in need. In addition, he highlighted the work in the social and solidarity economy, promoting cooperatives and microcredits, as well as addressing addictions through a pastoral and community approach.

“Your solidarity is hope”

Under the motto "Your solidarity is hope", Cáritas Argentina launched its traditional Annual Collection, which will take place on Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9 throughout the nation. The proceeds will be used to alleviate the serious situations of poverty and destitution experienced by millions of people in the country.

Cáritas calls on society to become aware and commit to the transformation of social reality. The proceeds will help support education programs, early childhood, social and solidarity economy, addictions, self-construction of homes, food response and integration of popular neighborhoods.

The financial contribution received will allow supporting numerous programs and improving the living conditions of vulnerable families and people in neglected communities. Cáritas emphasizes that each contribution, no matter how small, is crucial to generating a positive impact on society.

For more information, videos and testimonies about the 2024 Annual Collection: www.caritas.org.ar/colecta2024