04 October 2017
The situation for children in Europe and Central Asia
https://www.unicef.org/eca/situation-children-europe-and-central-asia
2023’s Situation of Children in Europe and Central Asia Newborn Two-thirds of newborn deaths Two-thirds of newborn deaths could be prevented during pregnancy, at birth and during the first week of life. Stepan, 14, with his mother Kristine, 32, live in extreme poverty in the outskirts of city of Vanadzor, Armenia. 35-40 million children An estimated 35-40 million children are living below the national poverty lines. In Krakow, Poland, 6-year-old receives his immunizations from Nurse 1 million children 1 million children do not receive all recommended vaccines. Children buy fried snacks at school One in three children One in three children aged 6-9 years is overweight or obese. On 7 March 2020, refugees and migrants gather at the Pazarkule border crossing near Edirne, Turkey, hoping to cross over into Greece. 5 million children Over 5 million children are refugees. Air pollution in Serbia 4 out of 5 children 4 out of 5 children in the region are breathing polluted air. The region continues to face major equity gaps in the realization of all rights for all children, with particular groups of children more likely than others to miss out on services and opportunities. To address these gaps and reach all children, UNICEF works in the areas of child protection, education, early childhood development, emergencies, health, nutrition, water sanitation and hygiene and social policy. The most disadvantaged children are too often denied the care and protection experienced by their peers. National systems, such as education, health, child protection and social welfare systems could, and should, meet the needs of every child – including the most vulnerable. Greater investment in services that meet the needs of the most vulnerable children would help maximize the impact of the economic and social progress already being made across the region. Investments that support vulnerable children represent a sound investment in the future, with massive returns in terms of health, well-being and productivity. children pose for a photo in a classroom in Kindergarten in Romania UNICEF/ Adrian Holerga Situation of children in Europe and Central Asia “ Situation Analysis of Children Rights in Europe and Central Asia: Unequal progress, Children left behind ” spotlights deepening inequalities and urges countries to put in place sound systems to support children at risk of poverty and social exclusion. The report is the first of its kind to bring together existing data and analysis for all countries in the region, while highlighting critical data gaps that need to be filled.
