Launch of Caritas Cares country report
Caritas Czech Republic launched its Caritas Cares country report on 2 February. This report describes the main challenges related to poverty and social inclusion in the Czech Republic and provides recommendations for policy makers to address these challenges.
The report’s recommendations are based on an analysis of Caritas Czech Republic’ experiences at the grass-roots level, which are compared to official data. Experts from diocesan Caritas presented the recommendations per topic - alimonies, over-indebtedness, access to housing and minimum wage.
The report finds that Czech Republic’s main challenges related to poverty and social exclusion are:
- Over-indebtedness, which is the number one poverty trap. The number of insolvency petitions by individuals has increased to previously unheard of levels. Many single parents are affected.
- The housing situation, which has deteriorated dramatically. For large sections of the population, housing has become unaffordable and inaccessible. Many opt for sub-standard housing.
- Working poor: the lowest wages are not sufficient and some people would rather stay on social benefits. The minimum wage in the Czech Republic remains the lowest in the EU. In general, net salaries are too low compared to state benefits, thus discouraging some people from working.
This public launch took place at the European House, the seat of the Representation of the European Commission in Prague. The event gathered together media, NGO representatives, professionals and representatives of state institutions and ministries. Jorge Nuño Mayer, Caritas Europa Secretary General represented the network at the event.
(Caritas Europa)
