UNICEF Knowledge for Action: Emerging experiences in Social and Economic Policy that support equitable outcomes for children - Volume 3

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About

The argument behind Volume 3 of UNICEF's Knowledge for Action series, is that progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), both in aggregate and for the most vulnerable populations, is threatened if the appropriate policies are not in place. As the MDG 2015 deadline approaches UNICEF continues to scale up programmes that target inequities suffered by the world’s most disadvantaged children and women. This publication from UNICEF uses ten case studies to illustrate UNICEF’s and its partners’ experience in bringing and solidifying upstream work as a core strategy to reach the most marginalized children and families. The case studies are highly diverse and among others, include child friendly municipal planning in Morocco, collaboration with IMF in Congo and Marginal Budgeting for Bottlenecks (MBB) analysis in Benin.

The argument for equity

This publication reflects UNICEF's renewed focus on equity, meaning striving to ensure that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop, and reach their full potential. Equity is a central tenet to UNICEF’s work around social and economic policy, particularly in the context of accelerating progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Fundamental components of this approach are the promotion of rights-based and participatory policymaking processes; advocacy for child-sensitive laws, budgets, national development plans, and inclusive social and economic policies.

Assessing inequities

UNICEF’s Child Poverty and Disparities look at patterns, incidence, and drivers of inequities in each society. These studies specifically analyze social, economic, political, and systemic determinants of inequity such as gender discrimination, ethnic, minority and religious discrimination, discrimination due to disability status, structural poverty, geographic isolation, cultural and social norms, and weak governance. Results from this analysis form the basis of equity programming. They allow for the identification of key constraints and methods to address them.

Cause and responses to inequities

The report argues that inequities in child outcomes are often the result of public policies that do not address the needs of the most deprived. In response the report provides evidence, develops sector strategies, action plans and monitoring frameworks to help address them and ensure that governments remain focused on proequity and pro-poor targets. The report states that recently UNICEF focused on building the capacity of key national institutions to strengthen policies that prioritize not only the reduction of structural poverty, but also crisis-related vulnerabilities and which set up national and community mechanisms for mitigation and response.
To access the complete report see here.