The rate of child poverty today

Around the world, children are more likely to live in poverty than adults. They are also more vulnerable to its effects. Children may experience poverty across multiple dimensions – whether deprived of shelter, food, water, education or healthcare. Growing up without these necessities is a violation of a child's rights, with consequences that can last a lifetime. Child poverty is a global issue. It occurs in low-, middle- and high-income countries to varying degrees and consequences. Nearly 900 million children worldwide experience multidimensional poverty – meaning they lack necessities like food, water, shelter, education and healthcare. Some 333 million children live in extreme poverty, surviving on less than $2.15 each day. While extreme poverty is an issue increasingly concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa, even in some of the world’s wealthiest countries, millions of children are affected by poverty. Yes, ending child poverty is a policy choice. There is no shortage of evidence on how we can address it.With the right priorities, policies and programmes, governments can tackle child poverty in all its dimensions. Social protection programmes – like cash transfers, health insurance, education fee waivers, and maternity benefits – help give every child an equitable chance in life.

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