The state of the world's children
FOREWORD
Inequity imperils millions of children and threatens the future of the world.
As we look around the world today, we’re confronted with an uncomfortable but
undeniable truth: Millions of children’s lives are blighted, for no other reason than
the country, the community, the gender or the circumstances into which they
are born.
And, as the data in this report show, unless we accelerate the pace of our
progress in reaching them, the futures of millions of disadvantaged and vulnerable
children – and therefore the future of their societies – will be imperilled.
Before they draw their first breath, the life chances of poor and excluded children
are often being shaped by inequities. Disadvantage and discrimination against
their communities and families will help determine whether they live or die,
whether they have a chance to learn and later earn a decent living. Conflicts,
crises and climate-related disasters deepen their deprivation and diminish their
potential.
But it need not be so. As this report also illustrates, the world has made
tremendous progress in reducing child deaths, getting children into school and
lifting millions out of poverty. Many of the interventions behind this progress –
such as vaccines, oral rehydration salts and better nutrition – have been practical
and cost-effective. The rise of digital and mobile technology, and other innovations
have made it easier and more cost-effective to deliver critical services in hard-
to reach communities and to expand opportunities for the children and families at
greatest risk.
Type of document : Reports
Country : Region
Year of publication : 2018
Advocacy : Safety and Security
Publisher :