Leave No Child Behind

Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have stalled in the last few years. As we approach 2030, many SDGs are off track – including critical development outcomes for children. Under current trends, 59 countries will miss the under-five mortality rate target and 64 will miss the neonatal mortality rate target. The UK has historically played a significant role in international development but between 2016-2022 there has been a 56% drop in child-focused bilateral Overseas Development Assistance (ODA). Despite the UK’s commitment to child rights, children are not sufficiently mainstreamed across the UK’s foreign and development policies.

This report sets out to analyse the UK’s record in child-focused aid over the last 10 years and what the UK Government can do in its approach to international development to ensure children are prioritised.