Argentina’s child poverty rate could hit 70% in the first quarter of the year unless there is a change in course, UNICEF warned in a report on Tuesday, reflecting how high inflation, weakening growth and austerity are hitting the country hard. In a report, the UN Children’s Fund said the poverty rate was rising fast from 57% at the end of last year. Those in extreme poverty could reach 34% up from 19.4%, the agency added, calling for more spending to protect the livelihood of children. “Being fully aware of the fiscal restrictions that the country is facing, UNICEF asks that children and adolescents are prioritized,” added Waisgrais. “We ask that investment in these sensitive policies is prioritized so that poverty does not continue to increase.”— Reuters

Source: Bueno Aires Herald March 13, 2024 14:06 UTC