UNICEF’s Prospects for Children in 2025 Report:
Highlights of the UNICEF Report on Children’s Challenges:
- In 2023, over 473 million children, or more than one in six globally, lived in conflict zones. The proportion of children affected by conflict has nearly doubled from 10% in the 1990s to 19%.
- Children face risks such as displacement, starvation, disease, and psychological trauma.
- Nearly 400 million children live in countries burdened by debt, limiting investments in education, healthcare, and social services.
- The World Bank estimates that a 5% rise in external debt for low- and middle-income countries could cut education spending by USD 12.8 billion. In 15 African countries, debt servicing exceeds education spending, while over 40 low-income nations spend more on debt than health.
- Debt service now outpaces social protection by 11 times, leaving 1.8 billion children vulnerable to economic shocks and deepening poverty.
- Only 2.4% of global climate finance is allocated to child-responsive initiatives, weakening social services crucial for children.
- Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is transforming how governments deliver essential services like education, healthcare, and social protection to children.
- However, a significant digital divide exists, with youth (15-24 years) in high-income countries enjoying internet access, while only 53% of youth in Africa have internet access, especially in low-income countries.
- Adolescent girls and children with disabilities are particularly impacted, with 9 out of 10 adolescent girls in low-income countries being offline.
- The report calls for additional financing for climate recovery efforts, including support for children’s healthcare, education, and psychological well-being during climate disasters.
- Create inclusive, fair, and responsible systems that prioritize children’s rights and needs.
- Ensure better integration of child rights in digital initiatives to bridge the inequality gap.
