The UK government yesterday informed UNICEF of it’s intention to reduce the organisation’s core funding by approximately 60 per cent.
In a statement made available to the public by it’s media arm, the organisation said they are deeply concerned by this decision.
TheFact Nigeria gathered that the UK Government has long been a key partner for UNICEF’s work for children around the world, helping to save and improve the lives of millions of vulnerable children and providing them with access to critical water, sanitation, education and health services.
“Core funding enables UNICEF to be present on the ground before, during and after emergencies, allowing us to direct resources for children where they are most needed.
“In 2020, thanks to core funding, UNICEF was able to swiftly respond to the most pressing education, protection and health needs of children affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Any cuts to these funds will have serious consequences for children,” it read.
It said it was too soon to know the full impact that this and future UK funding cuts will have on UNICEF programmes.
However, they worry that children living in some of the world’s worst crises and conflicts will suffer the consequences.
The organisation said it recognises the challenging financial situation currently facing governments but emphasised that the needs of children have never been greater.
It said it was vital that the support is sustained in a context where COVID-19 threatens to reverse the gains they had made over the years.
They assured us that they will continue to engage with the UK Government on shared agenda for children worldwide and trust that the government will meet its commitment to reinstate the 0.7 per cent GNI aid spending target as soon as possible.”
