Ukraine conflict has forced 4 million children into poverty: UNICEF

Digital Desk: According to UNICEF, the economic fallout from Russia's invasion of Ukraine has pushed 4 million children into poverty in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (October 17). 

"Children bear the heaviest burden of the economic crisis caused by the war in Ukraine," as per reports issued by UNICEF.

As stated in the report, "the conflict and rising inflation have driven an additional four million children across Eastern Europe and Central Asia into poverty, a 19% increase since 2021."

To reach its conclusion, UNICEF examined data from 22 countries.

Since Moscow attacked its neighbour in February, children in Russia and Ukraine have suffered the most. 

"Russia accounts for nearly three-quarters of the total increase in the number of children living in poverty across the region as a result of the Ukraine war and a cost-of-living crisis, with an additional 2.8 million children now living in households below the poverty line," UNICEF discovered.

The impact of Western sanctions on Russia's economy was magnified by the country's large population.

"Ukraine has 500,000 additional children living in poverty, the second highest share," UNICEF added. Romania was close behind, with an additional 110,000 poor children.

"Children all over the region are being swept up in the terrible aftermath of this war," said Afshan Khan, UNICEF's regional director for Europe and Central Asia.

"If we don't help these children and families now, the sharp increase in child poverty will almost certainly result in lost lives, lost learning, and lost futures."

According to the agency, the greater the family's poverty, the greater the proportion of its income that must be spent on food and fuel. This means that less money is available for children's healthcare and education. They are also "more vulnerable to violence, exploitation, and abuse."

According to UNICEF, this could result in an additional 4,500 children dying before reaching their first birthday.