Portuguese children are badly affected by the country’s economic crisis and ongoing measures of austerity.
The depressing news comes from the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, which met recently with members of the government.
It is clear, said the UN’s Maria Herzog, that the financial crisis and austerity measures “have had a very negative impact on social programmes and policies”.
“As a result, children are increasingly at risk of succumbing to poverty, lacking access to proper services, and not enjoying their rights, which include housing, education and social protection.”
Herzog revealed that the slashing of social benefits has affected at least half-a-million children in the country.
In their latest review of the country’s performance, the committee also commented on other social problems in Portugal.
“Although Portugal has a strong integration policy, Roman gypsies – which number some 40,000-60,000 – face discrimination in terms of employment, housing and education,” added Herzog, stressing the tendency has a “devastating” effect on Roma children.
Herzog was also concerned over the discrimination facing children with African blood, as too many of these can be found in orphanages and institutions, she said, instead of being placed with families.
She was “particularly concerned” by the number of under-3s who are “still living in institutions”.
The UN committee was also critical of Portugal’s adoption services, saying not enough was done to follow-up on adoptive parents. It recommended that Portugal bring itself up to speed with the rest of Europe – reviewing legislation being a major priority.
These reviews – which also consider problems like domestic violence and youth detention – take place periodically. The next is due in 2017.
