International Child Day - 20 November

CHILD PROTECTION and THE MDGs-Goal 1

Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
Children who live in extreme poverty are often those who experience violence, exploitation, abuse and discrimination. They easily become marginalized and are frequently denied such essential services as health care and education. In a self-perpetuating cycle, marginalization of children who are victims of violence and abuse decreases their likelihood of escaping poverty in the future. Child labour – both a cause and consequence of poverty – damages a child’s health, threatens education and leads to further exploitation and abuse. Poverty is a root cause for trafficking. Without documents to prove birth registration, children and families often cannot access health, education and other social services,and States cannot plan poverty alleviation and social service programmes without accurate estimates of annual births. Poverty and exclusion can contribute to child abandonment and the separation of children from their families, as children are sent to work on the streets or parents are forced to migrate and leave their children behind. Children might end up in foster or institutional care arrangements which can lead to marginalization and decrease their chances of breaking the cycle of poverty. Armed conflict depletes physical, economic and human resources and leads to displacement of populations.

Arabic Forum