Spanish government launches plan against child poverty

Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-14 01:27:03|Editor: Mu Xuequan
Video PlayerClose

MADRID, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez presented a new project involving businesses and other social actors aimed at combatting child poverty (those under the age of 18) in Spain on Thursday, the government informed in a communique.

"We cannot allow Spain to be one of the countries with the highest risks of child poverty in Europe," said Sanchez at the launch of the 'Third Sector Conference' (Cumbre del Tercer Sector), which was promoted by the Spanish High Commission against Child Poverty.

According to data highlighted at the event, 29.7 percent of Spaniards aged below 18 were at risk of poverty in 2016. This is 9.7 percent higher than the European Union average.

"Although the number was reduced to 28.3 percent in 2017, it is still very high," commented Sanchez.

"The welfare state is uneven in its capacity to redistribute wealth. It is very effective in reducing poverty in the final cycle of life (old age), but doesn't work when it comes to protecting infants," explained the press communique on the event.

This statement is corroborated by figures which show that between 2012 and 2015, the risk of poverty among minors stood at 22.3 percent in Spain: well above the risk for other age groups.

"We aim to promote and put into practice a wide range of measures aimed at combating the inequalities which leave children in a vulnerable situation," continued the prime minister, stressing that his government had an "binding" promise to "reduce and prevent child poverty".

Alongside Sanchez, the event was also attended by the Minister of Health, Consumption and Social Welfare, Maria Luisa Carcedo, the Minister of Territorial Policy and Public Function, Meritxell Batet, and the High Commissioner for the Fight Against Childhood Poverty, Pau Mari-Klose.

TOP STORIES
EDITOR’S CHOICE
MOST VIEWED
EXPLORE XINHUANET
010020070750000000000000011105091376724231