"The government's decision to increase social assistance is an important step in reducing child poverty in Georgia," – the Representative of UNICEF in Georgia, Ghassan Khalil, said.

The UNICEF is working closely with the Ministry of Refugees, Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia to improve targeted social assistance programs and reduce the number of children living in extreme poverty. 

The UNICEF continues to support the Government of Georgia in reducing child poverty so that children living in Georgia can enjoy better education, increase their social inclusion and be able to reach their full potential.

“While we appreciate the government's decision, we hope the government will take additional measures to help poor children, who are not covered by the targeted assistance program.

A real-time survey of data monitored by the National Statistics Office of Georgia in partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund and supported by the USAID has shown that the pandemic has reduced the average monthly income of the population. To cope with declining incomes, households most often resorted to reducing household expenses other than food, using savings, reducing food costs, and borrowing money from friends and acquaintances. 20% of the poorest population could not provide children with various necessary items or means: 45% of the poorest families could not provide children with shoes, 36% - with clothes; 41% - with high protein foods; 30% - with age-appropriate books; 53% - with toys,"- the statement reads.