Japan Committee for UNICEF
19% Increase in Child Poverty in Eastern Europe and Central Asia: Impact of Conflict and Economic Crisis in Ukraine [Press Release] UNICEF releases new research
[Image 1
A family lives in a temporary communal house on the outskirts of Kharkiv. They have been evacuated to escape bombing and are receiving UNICEF support. (c) UNICEF
Today, on the International Day to End Poverty, UNICEF released new research into the impact of rising conflict and inflation in Ukraine on child poverty in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Announced. Child poverty in Eastern Europe and Central Asia increased by 19%, pushing 4 million more children into poverty, according to a study. Data from 22 countries surveyed show that children bear the heaviest burden in the economic crisis caused by the conflict in Ukraine. Children make up 25% of the region’s population, but they account for nearly 40% of the 10.6 million people who will experience new poverty this year.
The largest increase in the number of children living in poverty was in Russia, with 2.8 million new children living in households below the poverty line. This accounts for nearly three-quarters of the region’s overall growth. Ukraine has the second highest number, with 500,000 new children in poverty. It’s important to note that this is a conservative estimate assuming a 10% decline in GDP.
The impact of soaring child poverty can reach far beyond the economic hardships facing families. This year alone, 4,600 children could die before their first birthday, and a learning loss equivalent to 119,000 children dropping out of school could occur.
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A displaced child living with his family in a temporary shelter in Lviv, Ukraine, 12 August 2022. (c) UNICEF_UN0686484_Gilbertson – Highway Child
Poorer households spend a higher percentage of their income on necessities such as food and fuel. Higher prices for basic commodities mean less funding for other needs, such as health care and education. The conflict in Ukraine and the ensuing cost of living crisis mean that the poorest children will be deprived of the services they need and more likely to be at risk of violence, exploitation and abuse. For many people, the effects of childhood poverty are lifelong. One in three children born and raised in poverty will continue to live in poverty as adults, creating intergenerational cycles of hardship and deprivation.
are in poverty because the range and quality of support services that households need decreases when the government cuts public spending, raises sales taxes, and implements fiscal austerity to boost the economy in the short term; or The problems faced by impoverished families are even more acute.
To provide children with ladders out of poverty and prevent more families from falling into poverty, UNICEF is calling on governments to:
Provide universal cash transfers for children and ensure a minimum income security.
Extend social security benefits to all families with children in need, including refugees.
Protect social spending, especially for vulnerable children and families. Protect the delivery of health, nutrition and social care services for pregnant women, infants and preschool children.
Introduce price controls on basic household groceries.
UNICEF recently worked with the European Commission and several Member States of the European Union (EU) to develop the EU Child Security (EU Child Security) to reduce the impact of poverty on children and provide them with opportunities to live well into adulthood. Child Guarantee” initiative is being piloted. Today, more children and families are being pushed into poverty, calling for a bold response across the region.
UNICEF will continue and scale up its support to strengthen social protection mechanisms in high- and middle-income countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, as well as spending on social protection programs, including cash transfers for vulnerable children and families. I am asking for priority.
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■ About UNICEF
UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) is a United Nations agency that works to promote the rights and healthy development of all children. Currently, in about 190 countries and regions*, we are cooperating with many partners and translating our philosophy into concrete actions in various ways. We work for all children,
everywhere, with a particular focus on helping the most vulnerable children. UNICEF’s activities are funded entirely by donations from individuals, companies and organizations, and voluntary contributions from governments. https://www.unicef.or.jp/
* Includes 33 countries and regions where UNICEF National Committees (UNICEF Association) are active
* UNICEF’s activities are funded entirely by donations from
individuals, companies, and organizations, as well as voluntary contributions from national governments.
■ About Japan Committee for UNICEF
The Japan Committee for UNICEF is one of the UNICEF National Committees in 33 industrialized countries and regions, and is the only private organization in Japan that represents UNICEF. advocacy). https://www.unicef.or.jp/
Details about this release:
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000002024.000005176.html