Underdevelopment, poverty, dictatorship and repression in Latin America are persistent and interrelated problems. Many Latin American governments pursue economic policies which deepen social inequalities and conflict and which are frequently implemented through the violent suppression of civil and political rights. The conduct of European governments and companies towards Latin America often implicitly support dictatorial regimes and reinforces the causes of underdevelopment. Europe and Latin America aims to make European involvement in Latin America the subject of critical debate with a view to promoting a more equitable distribution of wealth and respect for human rights in the region.