Europe and Central Asia

The European Child Guarantee:, Children in Greece are smiling. Teacher and a child. Teacher and a child Boy is raising his hand in a class. Poverty and social exclusion can have a profound impact on the lives of children, preventing them from accessing basic services such as healthcare, education, nutritious food, quality housing and childcare. For the poorest families,…, The European Child Guarantee was approved unanimously by a Council Recommendation on 14 June 2021., The recommendation calls on Member States to: “ensure the participation of regional, local and other relevant authorities, children and relevant stakeholders representing civil society, non-governmental organisations, educational establishments and bodies responsible for promoting social inclusion and integration, children’s rights, inclusive…, The challenge, Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly one quarter of Europe’s children were at risk of poverty and social exclusion. The impact of the COVID-19 crisis has been felt across countries—from the economic and social impacts of national lockdowns, to the near collapse of overburdened health systems, to the loss of learning opportunities for children…, The solution, Building a more resilient Europe starts with children. The post-COVID-19 recovery plans must foster resilience and strengthen systems so that they are resilient to future crisis. For the most vulnerable and excluded children, addressing material deprivation will not enough.  High quality, inclusive, accessible, affordable social services are…, Making the European Child Guarantee a Reality, High level events, Testing the Child Guarantee in the EU Member States, Programmatic Updates, Policy Briefs & Deep Dive Reports

Children with disabilities are already the most marginalized in the Region, and the COVID-19 pandemic has increased their isolation. UNICEF is ramping up its work across the Region to ensure their health, education, protection and participation – both now and into the future. We are appealing for $38 million to shield the most vulnerable children…, Protecting the most vulnerable from the impact of COVID-19, UNICEF is mobilizing every resource possible to protect marginalized and vulnerable children – including those with disabilities – against the impact of COVID 19. We are building on initiatives that are already in place to safeguard their health, education, protection and participation, as well as the shared knowledge gained from long-term…, RESOURCES, UNICEF Europe & Central Asia Region, Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Situation Report No. 1 , 31 March 2020. In Focus: Including children with disabilities For every child, every right: Maria Alexandrova, Bulgarian advocate for inclusive education Letter from quarantine by Rijad Mehmeti Deinstitutionalization for children with disabilities.…

UNICEF is moving fast to support children, adolescents and families as the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps across the Europe and Central Asia Region. Our goal is to get the entire region working together as one for all children, particularly those who are already vulnerable to any crisis., Current situation, The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children goes far beyond any health risks. Across the Europe and Central Asia region, everyday services essential for their safety and well-being – from ante-natal care and home visits for new parents, to child protection and, of course, education – are grinding to a halt as entire populations go into…, The potential impact of COVID-19, The economic damage caused by COVID-19 will be immense and long-lasting, with estimates suggesting that an additional 33 million people – half of them children – could fall into extreme poverty as a result of the pandemic. Children in the Europe and Central Asia Region, like children elsewhere, now face the devastating and potentially life-long…, UNICEF's response, UNICEF is mobilising every resource to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the Europe and Central Asia Region and protect vulnerable children against the impact of the pandemic. We are building on initiatives that are already in place to safeguard their health, education, protection and participation, as well as the shared knowledge gained from long-…, Young people’s voices from across the Region, Detailed situation reports, UNICEF Europe & Central Asia Region, Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)  Situation Report No. 15 , 22 October - 25 November 2020.  UNICEF Europe & Central Asia Region, Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)  Situation Report No. 14 , 25 September - 21 October 2020.  UNICEF Europe & Central Asia Region, Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)  Situation Report No…, Responding to COVID-19. Behaviour and social change resource materials, A series of resource materials, tips and messages aiming at promoting protective behaviours, managing stress, dealing with children, and reducing stigma and discrimination. They are intended to help development of tailored communication tools for young people/adolescents, general public, parents, and frontline responders. Tips for parenting during…, Rapid Assessment of COVID-19 impact on children