Around 80% of the world's 2.2 billion children lack even the most basic social safeguards to protect them from disease, exploitation and abject poverty and to ensure they have access to basic health care and education, the U.N. reports.
In a new report made public Wednesday by UNICEF and the International Labor Organization, researchers say that 1.77 billion children up to the age of 18 lack access to a child or family cash benefit, a fundamental pillar of a social protection system. Among those, about 1.46 billion children are younger than 15.
Researchers find 1.77B children worldwide lack basic safety net
The number of children without basic social protections is increasing worldwide, UNICEF and ILO say in a new study.
Related
Major powers fuel new conflicts as aid to poorer nations declines
A new U.N. assessment says wars, energy shocks and shrinking aid push vulnerable economies deeper into debt.
Global growth downgraded as IMF warns war shocks energy markets
War-driven supply shock and Strait of Hormuz disruption force downward revisions even in best-case scenarios.
IMF chief warns Iran war shock strains growth, energy and food
Georgieva says oil and gas disruptions drive inflation risks, could push millions into hunger even if a ceasefire holds.
WTO ministers leave Cameroon without deal on digital tariff ban
Failure to extend the e-commerce moratorium underscores divisions over digital trade and the limits of consensus.
Latest
The U.N. moves to build an architecture for AI governance
A new scientific panel, global political forum, leadership commission and summit shape the U.N.'s approach to AI.
Human Rights Council divided as U.N. warns of atrocities in Sudan
European countries push for strong action while China and others emphasize Sudan's sovereignty amid rising violence.
Governments push to bring climate risks into counterterrorism planning
Kenya, Germany and international partners seek to integrate climate-related risks into efforts to prevent violent extremism.
Who gets to govern AI? U.N. panel warns access alone is not enough
Report argues countries may gain access to AI but lose influence over standards, infrastructure and governance.