According to a UNICEF report titled “The Impact of the War in Ukraine and Subsequent Economic Downturn on Child Poverty in Eastern Europe and Central Asia,” increasing inflation and the conflict in Ukraine have made living conditions far worse for an additional 4 million children in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, up 19% from last year.
The UNICEF report, which uses data from 22 countries in the area, demonstrates that children are disproportionately affected by the economic turmoil brought on by the conflict in Ukraine. Children make up about 25% of the population, yet they represent over 40% of the 10.4 million new individuals living in poverty this year.
The report estimates approximately 117,000 students might drop out of school this year alone as a result of educational losses. In the area of Europe and Central Asia, the organization studied “national economic and social trends” from 2006 through 2021. UNICEF has built a model to forecast the risks of child poverty, as well as educational and health outcomes.
According to data for Kyrgyzstan, 143,000 more people, including nearly 70,000 children, would become poor as a result of the situation in Ukraine and the increase in inflation. Moreover, about 3,000 kids could stop attending school.
In 2021, 1.72 million persons, or 40.5% of the young population, were already considered to be poor, according to the most recent National Statistical Committee data.
Beyond families experiencing financial hardship, child poverty has far-reaching effects. The sudden rise might result in 4,500 more infant deaths before their first birthday and 117,000 more students quitting school this year in learning losses, the report says.
“Economic effects of the war in Ukraine have a devastating impact on children in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Children throughout the region are affected by the horrendous consequences of this war. If we don’t support these children and their families now, a sharp increase in child poverty will almost certainly lead to lost lives, lost knowledge and a lost future,” said UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia Afshan Khan.
