Chapter 6 considered the role of trade in improving the livelihoods of the poor overseas. Many more live in conditions which people in this country would regard as unacceptable. Their life expectancy is low, many of their children die before the age of five, many are illiterate, and they lack access to safe water and health services. More than a billion people live in inadequate shelter, without piped water, electricity, roads or security of tenure. In May 1998, the Human Development Report from the United Nations Development Programme showed that while human development is improving overall, there are great inequalities between people and countries, between rich and poor, men and women and urban and rural communities.
Income disparities are also sharp within countries.
Inequalities are not restricted to income but also cover health, education, opportunity and human security. The needs of the world's poor must become a priority. To help achieve these goals, the Government builds partnerships with poorer countries, involving technical and financial assistance, policy dialogue with governments, and co-operation with other donors and multilateral development organisations. Government departments will work together to promote consistent polices towards poorer countries. The Government seeks to reduce poverty through sustainable development.