Bolivia Roundup: Child labour, national emergency due to fires, inflation soars

Reports of child labour

A recent report from the U.S. Department of Labor reveals troubling connections between child labour and the mining of zinc in Bolivia, which is used in the production of indium in South Korea. The report meticulously documents hazardous working conditions for children in mines, particularly in the regions of Potosi and Oruro. The Korea Times reports that in 2022 alone, South Korea imported more than $385 million worth of zinc concentrate from Bolivia, significantly impacting the supply chain of indium. Notably, South Korea is a major global player in indium production, contributing to 22.2% of the world's supply. The findings of this report raise critical alarms regarding the presence of child labour across various products derived from zinc and indium, especially in the electronics and solar panel industries.

National emergency due to fires

Bolivia faces a national emergency due to unprecedented forest fires, as declared by Defence Minister Edmundo Novillo. The intense fires have already consumed over three million hectares, marking the worst wildfire season since 2010, intensified by earlier fire outbreaks linked to drought conditions. According to The Star, Bolivia's firefighting capabilities are under strain, prompting indigenous volunteers to step in to protect their lands amid widespread evacuations. The situation is further complicated as Brazil witnesses similar disastrous wildfires, exacerbated by record-breaking drought conditions in the Amazon rainforest.

Bilateral ties with Egypt

To fortify bilateral relations, Egypt and Bolivia are actively pursuing collaboration in tourism and cultural initiatives. Egyptian Foreign Minister Nashar has articulated a vision to enhance tourism and invest in site infrastructure, while Bolivia’s representatives laud Egypt’s development efforts. Egypt Today reports mutual discussions encompass joint tourism campaigns and agreements focused on safeguarding cultural heritage, curbing illegal artefact trafficking, and improving archaeological cooperation. Plans are in motion to exhibit replicas of Egyptian artefacts in Bolivia to promote Egyptian culture within the region.

Heavy rains call for a state of emergency

Catastrophic heavy rains in La Paz have necessitated a state of emergency declaration by local authorities, following severe flooding that has obliterated numerous homes. President Luis Arce has announced the mobilisation of heavy machinery and the deployment of 3,000 troops to alleviate subsequent damages. As reported by Nasdaq, the flooding has critically disrupted vital services across several districts, resulting in one fatality over the weekend, and contributing to an alarming total of nearly 50 deaths throughout the country since the onset of the rainy season in January.

Inflation soars

Bolivia's inflation rate escalated to 5.19% in August, reaching the highest point in nearly a decade with a noteworthy monthly surge of 1.58%. This increase significantly surpasses the central bank’s annual target of 3.6%. Cumulative inflation figures for the first eight months of 2023 stand at 4.61%, markedly higher than the mere 0.39% recorded in August of the previous year. According to Investing.com, the price increase trend is predominantly observed in essential commodities such as rice, chicken, and tomatoes, while sectors such as education and transport have reported price declines. Simultaneously, Bolivia grapples with the dual challenges of rampant wildfires and fuel shortages, following a 2022 annual inflation rate of 2.12%.