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Title: Ethical Aspects of Debt Reduction for the Poorest Countries
Author(s): VAN GERWEN, Jef , VANDEVELDE, Toon
Journal: Ethical Perspectives
Volume: 8    Issue: 1   Date: April 2004   
Pages: 3-17
DOI: 10.2143/EP.8.1.503821

Abstract :
Debt reduction for the poorest countries of the world has become a self-evident goal for all people who feel concerned about the problems of the Third World, about absolute poverty and misery. Also, right-minded people think it is a primary ethical requirement that rich countries and powerful financial institutions should loosen the constraints imposed upon the weakest regions of the world. However, a closer look reveals that this is not just a technical matter, but that this issue is ridden with hard choices and difficult ethical dilemmas. Giving and helping are much more delicate matters than a naïve and benevolent observer might think. A contribution touching upon the ethical background of the debate about debt reduction is a good opportunity to tackle these sorts of problems.

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