Italy child poverty doubled in 2011-2013 says Istat

(ANSA) - Rome, November 21 - Child poverty in Italy doubled between 2011 and 2013, new data from Istat statistics bureau showed Friday.
    The number of minors living in poverty in Italy rose from 723,000 in 2011 to as many as 1,434,000 in 2013. In addition, the incidence of poverty among families with three to five members is increasing especially if they include children.
    "Unfortunately the economic crisis has taken its toll on minors, because if in a family the parents are jobless the poverty is also transmitted to their children," said Reform Minister Maria Elena Boschi.
    Vincenzo Spadafora, the national ombudsman for children and adolescents urged "immediate intervention" by the government.
    "For too long, there has been no long-term anti-poverty policy," he said.
    UNICEF Italy President Giacomo Guerrera also called on the government to earmark more funds to fighting child poverty.
    "Otherwise, society will suffer the consequences in the long term," he cautioned.