Social Dimension of Integration: Guidelines for an Action Plan in the areas of health, education, housing and employment

This study is foreseen in Project I.2 of the Work Programme of the Permanent Secretariat for the year 2008, approved during the XXXIII Regular Meeting of the Latin American Council of SELA. First of all, this analytical document summarizes the main programmes, decisions and bodies related to the social dimension of integration which have been adopted or created by the various integration groups existing in Latin America and the Caribbean. In addition to the four traditional subregional integration processes, the study also takes into consideration more recent initiatives such as the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and the Bolivarian Alternative for the Peoples of Our Americas (ALBA). Special emphasis is made on the most outstanding limitations and obstacles that so far have prevented these programmes from being more effective. Secondly, the analysis focuses on specific areas (health, education, employment and housing) and other related aspects to social issues, underscoring the progress made within the regional integration schemes and considering some ideas for the guidelines to create a regional programme on social dimension. Finally, the document presents its conclusions and recommendations. This document, as drafted by the Permanent Secretariat of SELA, and its proposals will be submitted for consideration of participants in the Regional Seminar for Consultation on this issue, which will be held on 16 and 17 July 2008, with the participation of representatives of social organizations and specialized organizations with a regional scope. The Permanent Secretariat of SELA wishes to thank consultants Ariela Ruiz Caro, Socorro Ramírez and Francine Jácome, as well as other experts who were consulted, for their valuable contributions to the preparation of this study.