By Nomsa Dlamini (Intern)
MBABANE – UNICEF has called on the Government of Eswatini to place children at the center of national planning and budgeting processes, following the release of the latest Child Poverty Analysis Report today at Hilton Garden Inn Hotel. The report, launched in partnership with the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, reveals that nearly half of the country’s children 46.6% are living in multidimensional poverty.
Addressing the high-level gathering of policymakers, development partners, and civil society representatives, UNICEF Deputy Representative Afshin Parsi emphasized that poverty is not just about income, but about overlapping deprivations that undermine children’s ability to survive and thrive.
“This report goes far beyond monetary measures,” said Parsi. “It shows us that children in Eswatini face intersecting challenges in health, education, housing, protection, and nutrition. These are areas that require targeted investment and coordinated response across all sectors.”
The findings, based on the internationally endorsed Multiple Overlapping Deprivation Analysis (MODA) and drawn from the country’s own Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), present a sobering picture particularly for children in rural areas, where the rate of multidimensional poverty climbs to 51.8%, compared to 23.1% in urban areas.
While the report highlights progress in access to clean water and child protection, it also reveals persistent disparities that hinder inclusive development. Parsi urged decision-makers to move from evidence to action by integrating child-focused priorities into the National Development Plan and aligning public financial management systems with child rights.
“We must ensure that national and sectoral plans are inclusive and responsive to the needs of all children, guided by a strong equity lens so that no child is left behind,” he said.
He further aligned UNICEF’s message with the African Union’s 2025 theme for the Day of the African Child,Planning and Budgeting for the Rights of the Child urging Eswatini to lead by example.
The event underscored the need for strengthened inter-ministerial coordination, transparent budgeting, and meaningful participation of communities and young people in shaping the nation’s future.
“This is our chance to turn data into progress,” concluded Parsi. “Together, we can build a brighter, fairer future for every child in Eswatini.”
