Childhood Poverty in Mozambique - A situation and trends analysis

This Situation and Trends Analysis provides a comprehensive review of the socioeconomic situation of the ten million children in Mozambique, focusing in particular on the issue of childhood poverty. The report is informed by a human rights based approach, acknowledging that children living in poverty face deprivations of many of their rights: to survive, to develop, to participate and to be protected. A focus on childhood poverty as distinct from adult poverty is critical, as children experience poverty differently from adults and the impact of poverty in childhood can be lifelong and intergenerational.

The findings of the report show that while significant advances have been made towards the realisation of children’s rights, there remains much to be done. Challenges remain in relation to particular areas of child development, such as nutrition and access to water and sanitation, and the evidence indicates that some groups of children, such as those living in rural areas and those that are orphaned and vulnerable, are not benefiting from growth and poverty reduction as much as other children. Attention is also paid to different aspects of the impact of HIV and AIDS on children.

The report was written by a lead team comprised of the Ministry of Planning and Development and UNICEF and was developed through a consultative process, with the participation of representatives of the Government, the UN family, bilateral and multilateral donors, non-governmental and civil society organisations and children.