A recent report published by UNICEF describes the social and economic effects of the pandemic on children, and Australia being one of the leading countries in supporting families.

Australia, along with the US and North Korea, was one of the three countries providing the biggest financial aid. They have supported over 6 million people with benefits for families and unemployment.

On the other hand, it seems there are also areas to improve:

  • reduction of social security payments means poverty might increase again (one in six children live below the poverty line in Australia)
  • most of the support is temporary
  • most of the support didn't cover the poorest families and there is no long-term plan for this area
  • while children are less affected physically by the virus, the effects on education, child protection and healthcare are adding to the rise of poverty
  • children and young people have more mental issues due to financial instability

UNICEF is suggesting more focus on financial aid and social protection:

  • increase financial aid for social protection
  • involve more families in need of financial aid
  • protect existing benefits from future cuts
  • longer-term plans for social protection to prevent poverty

Childhub

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