Andorra rights institute: national policies driving working-class impoverishment

The Institute of Human Rights of Andorra (IDHA) highlighted the impoverishment and loss of economic power and rights affecting the Principality’s working class, a group that has been a majority for many years and largely grew from migration in the 1980s and 1990s. The observation was made during a three-part colloquium led by IDHA president Elisa Muxella and activists Gerard Martínez and Carla Guinot, who have recently been associated with the Gaza conflict.

Martínez focused his presentation on technical aspects of human rights, while Muxella reviewed the historical evolution of those rights. Guinot addressed more everyday and current issues, with an emphasis on youth given her experience as a teacher. Around twenty engaged participants attended the event Friday evening at the La Llacuna cultural centre in Andorra la Vella.

Speakers and attendees voiced substantial criticism of the political class and welcomed the establishment of a reflective space. The IDHA said it will organise talks and workshops, particularly aimed at young people, to raise awareness of the importance of defending values and to highlight the general regression of rights being experienced.

One of the main conclusions of the discussion was that political power and the country’s policies are contributing to the impoverishment and social relegation of the working class.