Child poverty is a very real problem in Cyprus which cannot be ignored, and affects fundamental rights ranging from education, health and protection from every form of abuse, Children’s Rights Commissioner Despo Michaelidou said on Tuesday.
She was speaking on the occasion of World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse, and said the government should strengthen its efforts to support families plagued by poverty to ensure that no child is barred of their rights.
“We cannot ignore the fact that thousands of children in Cyprus and across the world, continue to live in conditions of poverty and social exclusion.
“Child poverty is not only a financial reality but a factor violating fundamental children’s rights, such as the right to education, health, safety and protection from every form of abuse,” she said.
This limits opportunities of development and wellbeing, Michaelidou said “leaving children exposed to risks that prevent them from achieving their full potential.
“Our responsibility as a state and society is to ensure that every child, irrespective of their financial situation has equal opportunities.”
Michaelidou said it is time to take action and recognise the link between socioeconomic inequality and the violation of children’s rights to create a fairer society for everyone.