The article discusses how economic and political changes in Latin America and the Caribbean since the 1980s have impacted poverty and social development. The authors analyze the challenges faced in promoting sustainable human development, such as persistent poverty, growing inequality, and limited social mobility. They highlight the importance of addressing poverty and social inequalities in the region's development agenda. The document also examines the measurement of poverty and the evolution of social rights in these countries. Additionally, it explores the relationship between democracy development, social exclusion, and inequality in building democratic societies. The authors emphasize the role of civil society in promoting citizenship and democratic processes, as well as the need for reorienting social policies to address ongoing poverty and inequality issues.