Georgian Parliament official: UNICEF data shows sharp decline in child poverty, government aims for full eradication

According to a study by UNICEF, child poverty in Georgia has significantly decreased over the past decade, falling from 30% in 2012 to around 12% today. However, Rati Ionatamishvili, the chair of the parliamentary committee on human rights protection and civil integration, said the real figure may be even lower - closer to 9%.

Speaking on Imedi TV show Open Air - Debates, Ionatamishvili emphasised that eliminating poverty remains one of the government’s key national objectives.

“According to UNICEF research, if child poverty stood at 30% in 2012, it is now around 12% in their latest findings. However, we believe even this is not fully accurate and that the figure is approximately 9% today”, he said.

The official argued that policy changes implemented after 2012, including making kindergartens and school textbooks free, played a significant role in improving social conditions for families.

“Before 2012, kindergartens in Georgia were paid, and parents could not take their children to kindergarten without paying fees. School textbooks were also paid. With these decisions, Georgian Dream began strengthening its policies”, Ionatamishvili concluded.