"The State of the World's Children 2012: children in an urban world”, UNICEF’s flagship report, focuses on vulnerable children in urban areas. One billion children live in urban areas, a figure that is rapidly increasing. However, disparities within cities show that many of them lack access to schools, health care and sanitation, despite living next to these services."We are approaching a tipping point”, said Abid Aslam, editor of the publication. "A growing number of people are being born in existing urban environments, and what worries us is that for a large number of children, these are extremely hostile environments ". They do not know where they are going to live next year, or next month or even next week, let alone whether they can go to school or have access to potable water sources”, "says Mr. Aslam.
The UNICEF report contradicts the idea that all children living in cities are better off than those of rural communities. On the contrary, it shows that although disadvantaged children live just minutes from schools and health clinics, they have no access to them due to poverty and discrimination.The report highlights the lack of data on the conditions prevailing in the slums, especially in regard to children, and raises awareness of the need for a greater political will take action to improve the lives of marginalized people. It also points out that the same children and families who are excluded from the opportunities offered by urban life can make improvements that benefit everyone. Examples from cities around the world show the benefits that greater representation and participation in municipal affairs entail.
According to Aslam, "The report presents evidence that we all benefit when in decision-making processes are included, as is their right, poor and marginalized people whose voices are rarely heard”. When those who are excluded are taken into account in planning and decision-making on urban issues, advances in areas such as literacy, infrastructure and security are bound to follow.
Source:UNICEF
