The war in Ukraine and rising inflation have pushed another 4 million children in Eastern Europe and Central Asia into poverty, up 19 percent from last year. UNICEF report «The impact of the war in Ukraine and subsequent economic downturn on child poverty in Eastern Europe and Central Asia» says.
Educational losses could amount to additional 117,000 children dropping out of school this year alone, according to the study. The organization analyzed national economic and social trends in the Europe and Central Asia region from 2006 to 2021. A model has been developed of how changes in the national economy predict child poverty risks, education, and health outcomes.
Data for Kyrgyzstan showed that due to the events in Ukraine and rising inflation, an additional 143,000 people will fall below the poverty line, including almost 70,000 children. In addition, almost 3,000 children may drop out of school. According to the latest reports from the National Statistical Committee, 40.5 percent of children, or 1.72 million people, were already living in poverty in 2021.
«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.
