Social Policy
In Turkey, UNICEF works to improve existing social protection mechanisms so that every child has a better chance to thrive
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The challenge
Children who are deprived of their childhood do not reach their full potential and cannot contribute fully to socialand economic growth. Vulnerable children from the poorest households often miss out on social benefits. When children grow up in poverty, they are more likely to be poor when they are older, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and disadvantage.
Social benefits can play an important role in reducing child poverty, with a 1% increase in per capita social expenditure would result in a 1% decrease in child poverty.
Although expenditure on social protection for children and families has grown, Turkey's spending of its GDP on social protection for children and families is still low compared to other OECD countries.
The solution
In Turkey, UNICEF together with partners, addresses the socioeconomic factors preventing children, including the most vulnerable and refugee children, from fully realizing their rights.
We support national social protection systems, the promotion of child-friendly governance at municipal level, and elimination of child labour.
Through cash transfers or in-kind support and programmes to increase access to services (e.g. education, health, nutrition) social protection contributes to well-being of children and families. UNICEF supports the child-friendly governance at municipal level through the Child Friendly Cities Initiative , to enhance the strategic outlook and capacity of local administrations in favour of the most vulnerable children and adolescents.
