What we do
Programmatic activities 2026-2030
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UNICEF Serbia
Serbia has made important progress in improving the lives of children. Access to health care, early childhood services, education and social protection has expanded, and many reforms supported by UNICEF are now part of national systems.
However, not all children benefit equally. Inequality continues to affect how children access services and opportunities.
Closing these equity gaps is essential not only for children’s rights, but also for Serbia’s future. When all children have equitable access to quality services, from early childhood through adolescence, they are able to develop their full potential.
As Serbia continues to develop, UNICEF in Serbia focuses on strengthening national systems so that services for children are sustainable, well financed and reach those who need them most.
Through policy advice, technical expertise and partnerships, UNICEF helps ensure that proven solutions for children become part of national laws, policies and public budgets.
The situation for children in Serbia
Serbia has made steady economic and social progress. Most children have access to essential services such as health care, education and social protection. However, not all children benefit equally from these services.
19.5% of children in Serbia live at risk of poverty, which affects their opportunities and well-being.
Roma children remain the most marginalized group in Serbia and continue to face significant barriers in accessing quality health, education and social protection services.
Access to early childhood education has improved, increasing from 50% in 2016–2016 to 63% in 2024–2025. However, participation remains significantly lower among children from the poorest households, underdeveloped municipalities and Roma communities.
Children with disabilities continue to face barriers in accessing inclusive services, while children living in rural areas or poor households are more likely to experience poorer learning outcomes.
Violence against children remains a concern. Children represent more than one fifth of reported domestic violence cases.
Young people also face challenges when transitioning from school to employment. Around 15% of young people are not in education, employment or training.
Children are increasingly exposed to environmental risks such as air pollution and extreme climate events that affect their health and development.
In many cases, the challenge is not the existence of services, but barriers that prevent the most vulnerable children from accessing them or benefiting from them equally.
When services are designed to reach the most vulnerable children, they work better for every child.
What UNICEF does
UNICEF works with government institutions, local authorities, civil society and the private sector to strengthen systems that support children and families.
The focus is on ensuring that services for children are inclusive, effective and sustainable.
UNICEF contributes by:
- providing policy advice aligned with national reforms
- strengthening institutional capacity to deliver services
- advocating for child-focused laws and public budgets
- supporting local governments to reach the most vulnerable families
- mobilizing partnerships and resources for children
This reflects an important shift in UNICEF’s work in Serbia: from piloting solutions to institutionalizing what works, and from supporting projects to strengthening systems.