The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) responds to new international aid figures

Dr Philip Goodwin, Chief Executive Officer for the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), said:    

“The aid funding figures released yesterday reveal, once again, that cuts to the UK’s aid budget are falling disproportionately on the shoulders of the world’s most vulnerable children.  

“We are especially concerned by the Government’s deep cuts to education and health. Despite the Prime Minister naming health as a top UK development priority, the Government has proceeded with nearly 50% cuts to global health programmes in countries such as Ethiopia and Malawi. This is a deeply short-sighted decision that will have a devastating and unequal impact on children and women.  

“We urge the Government to adopt a new strategic approach that places vulnerable children at the heart of its aid programmes and policies. At least 25% of aid should be directed to child-focused initiatives, ensuring that children’s health, nutrition, education, and protection are prioritised. The government must also immediately end spending 20% of the aid budget on refugee costs in the UK.”  

Notes to editors:

For more information, please contact the UNICEF UK media team on 0207 375 6030 [email protected]  

About UNICEF 

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. 

The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) raises funds for UNICEF’s emergency and development work for children. We also promote and protect children’s rights in the UK and internationally. We are a UK charity, entirely funded by supporters. 
 
United Kingdom Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), Registered Charity No. 1072612 (England & Wales), SC043677 (Scotland). 
 
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