Human Rights

Council of Europe Urges UK Action on Child Poverty to Uphold Fundamental Rights

Child poverty in the United Kingdom has reached critical levels, prompting a warning from the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights, who called for immediate government action to safeguard the rights of vulnerable children. Following a five-day fact-finding visit, Commissioner Michael O’Flaherty issued a stark assessment of the conditions facing many children, pointing to widespread deprivation in housing, education, and basic welfare.

The Commissioner emphasised that tackling child poverty is not simply a matter of social policy, but a human rights obligation. He criticised the UK government for lacking a coordinated strategy and urged ministers to introduce targeted reforms with clearly defined benchmarks. While acknowledging the government’s commitment to developing a child poverty strategy, O’Flaherty stressed that this must go beyond rhetoric and deliver measurable change.

Among the most concerning findings were reports from children themselves, who described living in conditions likened to “almost Dickensian” hardship. Accounts included families forced to choose between food and heating, and children without access to clean clothing or proper shelter. The Commissioner noted that these conditions violate children’s rights to an adequate standard of living, as outlined in international human rights frameworks.

O’Flaherty specifically called for the reversal of the two-child benefit cap and an increase in direct support for low-income families, including better access to free school meals and transport. He also urged action to address the growing number of families placed in substandard temporary accommodation, where children are often forced to live in cramped and unsafe environments for extended periods.

Devolved governments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland were praised for their more proactive approaches, with the Commissioner recommending that the UK adopt a unified strategy informed by these regional successes. He further advocated for greater involvement of children and young people in shaping the policies that affect them.

Schools, charities, and advocacy groups echoed the Commissioner’s concerns, with headteachers reporting they are increasingly stepping in to provide food and essentials for students. Civil society leaders stressed that unless child poverty is treated as a national emergency, the country risks breaching its legal and moral obligations.

While recent funding packages, including crisis support funds, have offered some relief, O’Flaherty concluded that structural reform is essential. Without decisive action, he warned, the UK risks failing an entire generation, undermining its commitment to equality, dignity, and the rule of law.

DOWNLOAD IPFS

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

OPENVC Logo OpenVoiceCoin $0.00
OPENVC

Latest Market Prices

Bitcoin

Bitcoin

$111,594.70

BTC -2.85%

Ethereum

Ethereum

$4,610.31

ETH -3.11%

NEO

NEO

$7.83

NEO 13.26%

Waves

Waves

$1.21

WAVES -5.44%

Monero

Monero

$275.66

XMR 2.59%

Nano

Nano

$0.93

NANO -3.51%

ARK

ARK

$0.45

ARK -4.90%

Pirate Chain

Pirate Chain

$0.20

ARRR -6.35%

Dogecoin

Dogecoin

$0.22

DOGE -4.74%

Litecoin

Litecoin

$112.67

LTC -5.72%

Cardano

Cardano

$0.88

ADA -3.11%

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.