April 2, 2021

Anna Murray 

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) published a new report on April 1st, pointing out that 25 countries, about one in eight nations, expend more on debt than on social services, combining education, health and social protection in 2019.

Besides, according to the report, among the low- and middle-income countries with 200 million children, a quarter are now debt-distressed or at the risk of it. In addition, the global response to the debt crisis is further smaller than the overall fiscal response to Covid-19.

According to UNICEF Chief Henrietta Fore, comprehensive debt relief and restructuring is necessary to make certain an inclusive and sustainable recovery. Therefore, there’s no need for children to endure the double burden of the current reduced social services and the increased debt in the future.

Photo : webshot.