Poverty, Children Worldwide

Poverty and Vulnerability

Poverty is a sustained low standard of living and lack of resources. In real terms, poverty is hunger, lack of shelter, no access to medical care, no access to education, no job, powerlessness, and lack of representation and freedom. Moreover, an intrinsic link exists between poverty and vulnerability. Because children are still developing and are dependent on adults for their survival, they are especially vulnerable to the impact of poverty. Research shows that children are more sensitive to and affected by poverty than adults generally appreciate or understand. Children keenly feel the effects of poverty from the lack of basic goods and services, as well as its associated divisiveness, stigma, and humiliation. Thus, any attempt to address child poverty must tackle the problem holistically, dealing with both physical and psychosocial needs.

Millennium Development Goals

Recognizing the need to eradicate poverty, achieve universal access to education, promote gender equality and empower women, reduce child mortality, improve maternal health, combat diseases, ensure environmental [Page 702]sustainability, and build a global partnership for development, the international community committed itself to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by the year 2015. These goals serve as a framework for measuring development progress, since their achievement will have a significantly positive impact on the lives of millions of children around the world.

However, current poverty reduction strategies do not reach the poorest and most vulnerable. Most countries are currently off target to achieving the MDGs, especially those goals focused on the most poor. In some countries, the indicators are negative and gains have been reversed. Thus, achieving the MDGs by 2015, especially for children, will require new and innovative global partnerships—partnerships among governments, international organizations, nongovernmental organizations, the private sector, and individuals. In order to achieve the MDGs, many poor countries need financial and technical assistance and look to the rich and donor countries to provide it. In turn, rich and donor countries will need to respond to the needs of poorer countries.

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