Joblessness ranks SA at 123 in global peace index

THE Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) released its 2020 Global Peace Index (GPI) yesterday, which showed a rise in civil unrest was at a critical juncture because of the economic impact of Covid-19.

The report tracks and ranks the status of peace in 163 independent states and territories across the world, noting where conflict is rising and falling, and the factors that are influencing change.

“Special research by the IEP shows that Covid-19 is negatively impacting peace across the world, with nations expected to become increasingly polarised in their ability to maintain peace and security. This reflects the virus’s potential to undo years of socio-economic development, exacerbate humanitarian crises and aggravate and encourage unrest and conflict.

“Reductions in international aid are expected as economies contract, further destabilising fragile and conflict-affected countries including Liberia, Afghanistan and South Sudan.”

It ranked South Africa number 123 out of 163 countries when it comes to state of peace.

The GPI found South Africa’s unemployment rate is a factor reducing the country’s rank in economic pre-conditions.

Indicators of Safety and Security are an issue in the country, the report found, as it performed poorly on the homicide rate, which is the sixth highest in the world and the second highest in sub-Saharan Africa, ahead of Lesotho.

In other aspects, South Africa performed well, having low tax burdens, low dependency on international trade and having low outstanding central government debt.