A/HRC/26/49/Add.1 slaves or descendants of slaves in the form of land, a number of government interlocutors claimed that the groups which have been historically marginalized due to slavery continue to be economically dependent on their former masters. This situation perpetuates their marginalization, even if there is no intent to keep them in slavery-like conditions. Yet poverty and discrimination are, everywhere in the world, strictly intertwined in a cycle that is unlikely to be broken unless they are both tackled simultaneously. Discrimination is also about distribution of resources and, in the globalized market economy, the worst off are frequently, if not systematically, members of certain ethnic groups whose particular vulnerability results partly from a history of discrimination, oppression and exploitation.18 50. The Special Rapporteur therefore welcomes the emphasis placed by the Government on eradicating poverty through major development projects. He was pleased to hear that these projects have targeted the so called “triangle of poverty”, which was re-named the “triangle of hope”, where some of the most marginalized groups live and the entire population has been living below the poverty line. These projects include rural electrification, building of road networks, irrigation projects, and the development of income-generating activities run by women. According to the Government, a number of individuals have also benefited from access to land schemes and around 12,000 households from cash transfers with conditions attached such as sending children to school and visiting health centres. The Government stated that the budget devoted to projects targeted at improving the living conditions and social status of historically marginalized groups has notably increased, reaching more than UM 170 billion (US$ 568 million). However, no projects specifically targeting former slaves have apparently been put in place, and Haratines have been only indirect end beneficiaries of projects addressing general poverty. The Special Rapporteur welcomes these developments and this comprehensive approach to combating discrimination and exclusion. However, the Special Rappporteur wishes to recall that eradication of poverty through an increase in livelihood opportunities and improvement in living conditions is not a panacea to fight discrimination, which should be accompanied by an increase in life choices. F. Youth and education 51. Approximately 70 per cent of the population is aged under 30, with those aged between 10 and 30 representing 40.8 per cent within this segment of the population.19 In 2000, those below the age of 30 accounted for 72.4 per cent of the unemployed. Young people therefore represent a significant and mostly vulnerable part of the population. A large number have been compelled to migrate from rural areas to urban centres because of the lack of the necessary infrastructure such as schools, health centres, and youth centres to address their needs. The national policy on youth, leisure, sports and its implementation strategies (2011-2016) was adopted against this backdrop. The specific objectives of this policy are: to create an enabling environment for young people to participate in the process of economic and social development; to promote cultural, sport and socio-educational activities; to promote the spirit of entrepreneurship and social integration; to develop mechanisms to protect young people and prevent juvenile delinquency and to promote a culture of peace and democracy among youth. It is important to note that this policy does not list among its objectives the promotion of social cohesion and equality. It makes reference to the need to strengthen civic education in order to consolidate the legal and 18 19 14 International Council on Human Rights Policy, Racial and economic exclusion: policy implications, (Versoix, 2001). Ministère de la culture, de la jeunesse et des sports, Politique nationale de la jeunesse, de loisirs, des sports et ses stratégies de mise en œuvre.