Water Crisis Threatens Children Globally

A recent report highlights a concerning trend in water scarcity, with the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia regions bearing the brunt. Children in these areas, facing limited water resources and heightened environmental risks, are particularly vulnerable due to factors such as seasonal variability, groundwater decline, and drought.

A staggering 436 million children confront the peril of extreme water vulnerability, a dire situation where water scarcity combines with inadequate drinking water services. This precarious state poses a severe threat to their lives, health, and overall well-being, ultimately contributing to preventable diseases and increasing mortality rates among children under 5.

The impact of this crisis resonates most profoundly in low- and middle-income countries across sub-Saharan Africa, Central and Southern Asia, as well as Eastern and South-Eastern Asia. In 2022, countries like Niger, Jordan, Burkina Faso, Yemen, Chad, and Namibia stand out, with 8 out of 10 children exposed to the harsh realities of extreme water vulnerability.

Despite children and young people passionately advocating for their role in addressing the climate crisis, their voices are notably absent from formal climate policy and decision-making. Existing climate plans often overlook their concerns, leaving them inadequately represented in adaptation, mitigation, and finance strategies.

The report serves as a poignant reminder of the critical need for immediate action. Urgent steps are required to integrate the perspectives of children into climate policies, ensuring their unique vulnerabilities to water crises are addressed comprehensively and effectively.

 

_{Source: WHO, UNICEF}