UNICEF Welcomes Gov't Decision to Up Support for Socially Vulnerable Children

UNICEF has welcomed the Georgian government’s decision on a fivefold increase of support for socially vulnerable children under the age of 16.

The statement was made by the UNICEF Deputy Executive Director, Shanelle Hall, at a meeting with the Prime Minister of Georgia, Mamuka Bakhtadze, in Shanghai.

"We respect the Georgian government's decision, and we are excited about it. A study was done on the children that are most vulnerable and there is evidence that really established the importance of changing the policy, and the Government was bold enough to do so. We are really looking forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on the most vulnerable children in Georgia,” the UNICEF Deputy Executive Director stated, adding that the cooperation between UNICEF and the Georgian government is "really incredible."

“We really appreciate that cooperation. We appreciate that we are able to do our work on advocating for children and getting evidence what is needed for them, and that the government is strong and critiques that evidence, and also makes its own policy decisions on what is good for children. It is a wonderful cooperation," she noted.

Hall went on to underline that UNICEF is also excited and proud of the Georgian government's decision on the implementation of the World Bank's Human Capital Project.

"Congratulations to the Government of Georgia for taking the decision to be one of the early adopters of the World Bank's Human Capital Project. UNICEF could not be more excited about that. We are keen to see children put in the center of it, and we could not be more supportive of the importance of people as part of economic development and we are very proud that the Georgian Government has taken such a bold decision," she added.

Bakhtadze announced the increase of support for socially vulnerable children under 16 last week, saying that instead of the current 10 GEL, families will get 50 GEL per child under 16 years.

He stated the initiative will apply to almost 140,000 children in the country.

By Thea Morrison