Challenge to the South : the report of the South Commission : chairman ; Julins K. Nyerere.

The struggle to overcome poverty and improve the quality of life for the three fourths of humanity living in the developing countries the South-is the subject of this report by a high-level, independent group, from different backgrounds and political persuasions, from the South itself. It examines the South's develop ment record, assesses the achievements, analyses the failings, and suggests direction for reform.

The South Commission carried out its work in the final years of a decade that devastated many economies in the South and caused severe and widespread deprivation. Most developing nations are still grappling with the effects of high interest rates, low commodity prices, pro tectionism in rich countries, and perverse South-North transfers of capital.

Despite these conditions, the report strikes a note of hope and makes a cogent case for self reliant, people-centred development strategies. It stresses that their success will be linked not only to better economic performance but also to popular participation, respect for democratic norms and human rights, and action to curb cor ruption and militarism.

The Commission shows how developing countries could gain strength and bargaining power-through mutual co-operation. It also describes how the world arrangements for trade, finance, and technology handicap the South. Growing interdependence and new issues like the environment and the war on drugs make it even more in the global interest to change these arrangements to give the developing nations a fairer chance to climb out of poverty.

The South Commission was established in 1987. Its Chairman is Julius Nyerere, former President of Tanzania..