Save the Children urges anti-poverty plan for Italian kids
Over 6% of child population in absolute poverty by end of 2013
22 March, 16:43
(ANSA) - Rome, March 22 - The Italian chapter of Save the
Children on Friday drew attention to the impact of growing
impoverishment in Italy particularly on young people after
retailers' association Confcommercio said over four million
Italians would be living in absolute poverty by the end of 2013.This figure translates to over 6% of the population and compares to the 3.9% living in absolute poverty in 2006.
The figures "confirm the serious situation of poverty affecting millions of people in our country," Save the Children said. "The situation is all the more alarming considering it is children and adolescents who are worst affected by impoverishment.
"The rate of poverty among minors is particularly high in our country, with a 'spread' of 8.2% in relation to the overall population, one of the highest levels in Europe".
Poverty compromises children's future, impacting school performance and health and, in extreme circumstances, leading to exploitation, Save the Children said.
Minors most exposed to the negative effects of poverty are those living in one-parent or very large families, the children of young couples, children of foreign origin and those living in the south. Save the Children has presented all members of Italy's new parliament with a series of commitments pertaining to children's rights and poverty-protection measures to be fulfilled during the present legislature.
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