International Organizations
Global issues surrounding child poverty
Falling into poverty as an adult can be temporary but if a child is born into poverty, it could last a lifetime. Poverty does not only affect the individual child but could be passed on to another generation. During my research I chose to study UNICEF because they are one of the organizations that is trying to create poverty-reduction strategies in the communities that are poverty stricken.
According to the Global Study on Child Poverty there is a three-fold problem that persist:
First, most countries have been
unable to set an economic agenda that eliminates poverty at the rate foreseen by the MDGs in the
context of an existing or increasing level of inequalities. Second, inequalities have persisted or even
increased in many countries in part because poverty reduction strategies and development plans have
struggled to be pro-poor and to help disadvantaged populations including women and families raising
children; when women and poor families are left out of development efforts, the unequal opportunities
children experience persist or escalate. Third, the rights and special needs of children are often placed
below other priorities, leading to lost opportunities in terms of both human and economic development.
Child rights and well being and the challenge of balancing childcare and work responsibilities are too
often seen as marginal issues in development debates. Therefore the central role of childhood in shaping
individual capabilities, and the importance of stability and economic progress for families to a country’s
development, remain overlooked.
One of UNICEF's largest operation in the world today is in Iraq. There is 1 out 4 children living in poverty and conflict.
Over 1 million children were forced to leave their homes due to extreme violence therefore causing them to live in poverty. They are also burdened with psychological issues because they were forced to fight on the front lines as they watched their peers die. Poverty and conflict has interrupted the education for 3 million children across Iraq.
Unicef. (n.d.). Child Poverty and Social protection.
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No one should want to live in poverty; but I know that it is very hard for a child. No child should have to go through poverty; it's not there fault but it does happen.
ReplyDeleteI often wonder if everyone would pull together would we be able to change poverty so that no child or family is without food, or shelter.
I can't imagine what it would be like as a child and being forced out of there home due to extreme violence.
We should strive to make needs met because we don't want to be in a situtation where poverty an hit our home.