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
U.N. postal agency warns tariffs and conflict shrink global delivery routes
New report finds U.S. customs changes reduce international shipments and concentrate traffic among fewer countries.
WTO raises global trade forecast as AI boom offsets other disruptions
Trade in goods is expected to grow 3.9% in 2026 even as conflict-related disruptions weaken trade in services.
Hormuz disruption risks squeezing smaller firms out of supply chains
UNCTAD warns trade could recover while becoming more concentrated as smaller companies face higher costs.
U.N. training merger to cut staffing by 26% under UN80 reforms
Consolidation of UNITAR and the U.N. System Staff College is expected to generate savings of up to $7 million.
Latest
U.N. adopts pandemic declaration as global health divisions deepen
The U.S., Israel and Argentina oppose a declaration backed by 153 nations amid disputes over vaccine access and sharing.
U.N. refugee agency plans sweeping revamp as funding crisis deepens
UNHCR chief outlines changes to operations in 31 locations, reduced management and a shift toward national institutions.
WHO leadership contenders urge major reform as fiscal crisis deepens
Four candidates outline plans to reshape the U.N. health agency, reduce duplication and rebuild global cooperation.
Trump administration targets entire ICC with sweeping new sanctions
The move threatens the International Criminal Court hours after a former ICC judge won the Nobel Peace Prize.