New Era of Crisis for Children as Global Conflicts Intensify and Inequality Worsens
January 13, 2025
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has sounded the alarm on a new era of crisis for children, as global conflicts escalate and economic inequality reaches alarming levels.
“The world is failing the world’s children,” Guterres said in a statement released today. “Children are bearing the brunt of a deepening crisis, their futures threatened by war, poverty, displacement, and a changing climate.”
According to a new report from UNICEF, the United Nations children’s agency, an estimated 263 million children under the age of five will be living in extreme poverty by 2030, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Additionally, armed conflict has forced over 36 million children from their homes, the highest number since World War II.
“Children are being killed, maimed, and recruited as child soldiers,” Guterres said. “They are being denied education, healthcare, and protection. They are being forced to bear the weight of adult problems that they did not create.”
The report highlights the devastating impact that conflict and displacement have on children’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. In conflict zones, children face increased risk of malnutrition, disease, and psychosocial distress. They are also more likely to be exposed to violence, sexual abuse, and exploitation.
Furthermore, the report warns that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the crisis for children, disrupting education, healthcare, and social services worldwide. School closures have deprived millions of children of essential learning opportunities, while economic hardship has pushed many families deeper into poverty.
Guterres called for urgent action to address the crisis facing children. He urged world leaders to invest in education, healthcare, and social protection programs that support children and their families. He also called for an immediate end to armed conflict and a reduction in global inequality.
“We must act now to create a world where every child can survive, thrive, and reach their full potential,” Guterres said. “The future of our world depends on it.”
The UNICEF report makes several recommendations for addressing the crisis facing children, including:
- Increasing investment in early childhood development
- Expanding access to quality education and healthcare
- Strengthening social protection programs for families
- Reducing child poverty and inequality
- Ending armed conflict and protecting children in conflict zones
- Promoting gender equality and empowering girls and women
“We have a moral imperative to act,” Guterres said. “We cannot afford to fail our children.”
New era of crisis for children, as global conflicts intensify and inequality worsens
The AI has provided us with the news.
I’ve asked Google Gemini the following question, and here’s its response.
Peace and Security a new article on 2025-01-13 12:00 titled “New era of crisis for children, as global conflicts intensify and inequality worsens”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
12