UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) response to UK aid cuts announcement

Joanna Rea, Director of Advocacy at the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), said:

“Announcements on cuts to UK aid made this week are of serious concern to the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK). For every pound cut, children living in some of the world’s worst crises and conflicts could suffer the consequences – with fewer children able to attend school, receive life-saving food and access critical healthcare services.

“The UK has a long-standing history of protecting, vaccinating and educating millions of children growing up in some of the hardest places to be a child and this global leadership must not end here. While the Government has given reassurance that the aid budget will return to 0.7%, the long-term impact of this reduction is unclear. Failing to commit to a timeframe leaves lifesaving programmes hanging in the balance.

“We urge the UK Government to urgently commit to reinstate spending 0.7% of national income on aid by 2022 at the latest, so we can secure a better future for every child.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For more information, please contact:

Alexandra Murdoch, 0207 375 6179, [email protected]

Unicef UK Media Team, 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).

For more information visit unicef.org.uk. Follow UNICEF UK on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.