UNICEF: Rich countries have 30 million children in poverty.
One of the most critical cases is that of France, which reports 8,8% of its child population living in poverty.
The 35 richest countries in the world are home to 30 million poor children – 15% of the child population assisted by UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund). According to a report released this Tuesday (May 29), there are 13 million poor children in Europe alone.
The study, titled "Poor Children in Rich Countries," covered the 27 members of the European Union, plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Canada, the United States, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. The most serious situation is in Romania, Bulgaria, and Hungary, while Iceland, Sweden, and Norway are in the best situation, the document notes.
The study analyzes two major variables: so-called relative poverty, which corresponds to children from households where income is equivalent to half the national average, and deprivation, which occurs when a minor lacks two or more of the 14 elements considered essential, such as food, conditions for studying, books appropriate to their level of knowledge, and others.
According to the report, one of the cases that stands out is that of France. UNICEF believes the country wastes public money. France spends the most public funds on family policies: 3,7% of its GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is invested in the sector, second only to Italy.
Despite investments, France ranks 14th in the world for child poverty. The report states that there are approximately 1,3 million French children considered poor, equivalent to 8,8% of the child population. Of this total, half live in unsanitary conditions and 20 children are homeless.