Childhood poverty can have lifelong consequences, with the poorest children unlikely to have access to health care or complete their education.
Children and young people who fail to reach their full potential cannot fully contribute to the development of society, and those who grow up in poverty are more prone to poverty when they become adults, thus perpetuating a cycle of poverty and disadvantage.
It is in the interest of our society to invest in children and social protection, in order to prevent, manage and overcome crises that threaten their decent living. Social protection can help them financially or through social services designed to provide vulnerable children and families with the extra support and care they desperately need.