THE UK COMMITTEE FOR UNICEF (UNICEF UK) RESPONSE TO THE GOVERNMENT’S ANNOUNCEMENT TO CUT ODA FURTHER FROM 0.5% TO 0.3%

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THE UK COMMITTEE FOR UNICEF (UNICEF UK) RESPONSE TO THE GOVERNMENT’S ANNOUNCEMENT TO CUT ODA FURTHER FROM 0.5% TO 0.3%

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

“We are deeply concerned by the decision taken by the UK Government today to reduce the aid budget even further, and the impact this will have on the world’s most vulnerable children. 

“These cuts will mean millions of children not having access to critical health care, not having enough to eat and missing out on their learning. At a time of increased global insecurity and instability, this decision will undoubtedly risk lives. 

“The world’s poorest children are in crisis – decades of progress is being undone as a result of climate change, conflict and extreme poverty. Further reductions in the ODA budget will put children’s lives at risk at a time when they need our support the most. 

“The UK’s commitment to 0.7% demonstrated our leadership and our compassion. Today’s decision will make it impossible for this government to achieve its aspirations of tackling extreme poverty, addressing the climate crisis and building long-term global security. 

“The Prime Minister must urgently reconsider this decision. Or at the very least, clarify immediately how life-saving programmes that support the world’s most vulnerable children will be protected from this cut.” 

ENDS 

Notes to editors: 

For more information, please contact: 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.