Urbanization and Meeting the Needs of Children

The world is becoming increasingly more urban, with over half of the global population living in cities and towns, including over 1 billion children. With inevitable population growth and the trend of urbanization, the recently released UNICEF report, State of the World’s Children 2012: Children in an Urban World, focuses upon the marginalized and most vulnerable children who live in slums and often makeshift dwellings. These poor urban communities are deprived of many advantages associated with cities, such as schools, health clinics, and playgrounds.

Cities and towns have generally lacked the capacity and infrastructure to keep up with rapid growth; as a result, the disparity between those who have access to urban advantages and those living in poverty is increasing. The report, therefore, focuses on prioritizing equity for the most disadvantaged children wherever they live. UNICEF urges governments to put children at the heart of urban planning and to improve services for all.

More Information:

Press Release:
http://www.unicef.org/media/media_61839.html

Full Report:
State of the World’s Children 2012: Children in an Urban World