UNICEF UK Reaction to Autumn Statement
The UK Government has shown its determination to protect the world’s poorest children by keeping it’s commitment to 0.7 per cent of national income on international aid.
Anita Tiessen UNICEF UK’s Deputy Executive Director said:
The UK Government has shown its determination to protect the world’s poorest children by keeping its commitment to 0.7 per cent of national income on international aid.
UNICEF UK is proud that the UK is leading the way in supporting vulnerable communities around the world, despite tough times at home.
We know that International aid works – because of aid millions of children are alive today. Aid has helped reduce the number of children not reaching their fifth birthday from 12 million a year to 5.1 million. Right now British aid is helping UNICEF to deliver life-saving assistance as well as education and psychological support to children affected by the crisis in Syria.
We should be incredibly proud that we are honouring our commitment so more vulnerable children around the world can reach their full potential.
At home, the Government must act now to protect children from the effect of further cuts and continuing austerity. To fail to put children at the heart of financial decision-making is to fail in our international and moral obligations to support all children - and especially the most vulnerable - to enjoy their childhoods and reach their full potential.
The Government must now commit to carrying out regular child rights analysis to determine the impact of its policies on children, not least to ensure children are the first to be protected from further cuts and the first to feel the benefit of an economic recovery.
