On the occasion of marking the World Children's Day, the Network of Organizations for Children of Serbia reminds that poverty and growing inequality especially hard affect children and their chances for a quality and dignified life.
Poverty threatens the basic rights of the child - the right to life, survival and development, the right to education, the right to participate and make decisions, the right to play and affects the occurrence of child labor and discrimination. Poverty and inequality not only imply the current scarcity and disrespect of human rights, but also reduce the chances for the normal development of children and affect their overall future.
What the numbers say
- 200,000 children and young people are growing below the absolute poverty line.
- Children (from 0 to 18 years) are at the highest risk of poverty and social exclusion - 24.2%. According to the latest estimate for 2019, the poverty rate for children aged 0 to 18 is 8.3%, children under 13 - 8.2% and children aged 14 to 18 - 8.5%, which is higher than others age groups.
What are the consequences of poverty and inequality of children
- Housing in poor and inadequate living and learning conditions.
- Reduced opportunities to complete primary education, reduced opportunities to continue secondary education and almost no opportunities for higher education.
- Higher risks to overall health.
- Higher risk for exposure to violence and exploitation, sexual exploitation, labor exploitation.
- Higher risk of separating children from the family and placement in institutions.
- Higher risk for delinquent behavior and development of mental illness.
FIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH CHILD
That is why we ask that the Government of the Republic of Serbia guarantee every child:
Decent and adequate housing conditions.
Quality education.
Protection from all forms of violence and exploitation.
Quality and affordable health care.
Full support for living and staying in a family that is a safe and supportive place.