POSITION PAPER OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY

UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN’S FUND, AWMUN VI BANGKOK

DELEGATES NAME : YORRIEZKA ASTA PEBRIANI
TOPIC : ADDRESING CHILD POVERTY IN CONFLICT ZONE LOWER
INCOME COUNTRIES

“Together, we can be the voices of change, the champions of hope, and the agents of a brighter
future for all children, regardless of where they are born”Yorriezka Asta Pebriani, Delegates
Of Germany to The World

Background of the Issue and

Addressing child poverty in conflict zones and lower-income countries is a complex and
urgent global issue. These regions often face a multitude of challenges that exacerbate child
poverty, leading to dire consequences for the youngest members of society. (UNICEF, 2022 )
In conflict zones, children often face a lack of access to adequate healthcare, clean water, and
nutritious food, which leads to high rates of malnutrition and exposure to preventable diseases
(Save the Children, 2022) Furthermore, ongoing conflicts disrupt the lives of millions of
children, displacing them from their homes, separating them from their families, and depriving
them of access to basic necessities (UNICEF, 2022). The presence of conflict further depletes
limited resources in lower-income countries, compounding the problem.

In addition, conflict disrupts education systems, as schools are damaged, teachers are
displaced, and students are often unable to attend school due to safety concerns. This lack of
education perpetuates the cycle of poverty for these children (The World Bank, 2022).

Moreover, children in conflict zones are exposed to extreme violence and trauma, which
can have long-lasting psychological effects. The trauma experienced during conflict can hinder
their development and well-being (Save the Children, 2022).

Key Problems in Addressing Child Poverty in Conflict Zone Lower-Income Countries

include the lack of security, which makes it extremely challenging to provide essential services
and support for children (UNICEF, 2022). Humanitarian organizations often struggle to secure
sufficient funding for programs aimed at alleviating child poverty in conflict zones, leading to
insufficient resources to address the issue effectively (The World Bank, 2022). Poor
infrastructure, damaged roads, and disrupted supply chains hinder the delivery of aid to affected
areas, making it difficult to reach children in need (Save the Children, 2022). In many conflict
zones, children are forced to become child soldiers or are subject to various forms of
exploitation, further exacerbating their vulnerability (UNICEF, 2022). Addressing child poverty
in conflict zones requires cooperation and coordination among governments, humanitarian
organizations, and international bodies, often necessitating complex legal and policy frameworks
(The World Bank, 2022).
Germany Stance and Past Actions

The Government of Germany reiterated its strong commitment to children's rights and
UNICEF's mission in 2022, marking the third consecutive year as UNICEF's second-largest
resource partner, with a generous contribution of $1.047 billion.UNICEF and the German
government collaborate across a diverse spectrum of critical areas, including climate resilience,
the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus, gender equality, and humanitarian action.

Their joint commitment revolves around resilience-building, empowering communities

and national systems to better withstand and respond to crises. This partnership extends to
Germany's support for innovative tools to enhance climate resilience and a strong emphasis on
gender-transformative approaches as a fundamental prerequisite for enduring peace, security, and
development.Moreover, Germany's flexible humanitarian support has been instrumental in
enabling UNICEF to respond promptly and effectively to changing needs, particularly during the
COVID-19 pandemic. This adaptability allowed UNICEF to swiftly address the emerging
requirements of children and families.

The unwavering, value-driven partnership extends to a range of German ministries and

collaborative partners, including the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and
Development (Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung, BMZ),
the Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt, AA), and the German parliament.Germany's
steadfast commitment to UNICEF is demonstrated through its unearmarked core contributions
and support for flexible resources, reflecting a strong dedication to multilateralism and shared
objectives. This partnership adopts a holistic, multi-sectoral approach, encompassing critical
areas such as Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), Safe and Clean Environments, Nutrition,
Health, and Social Protection.Germany's collaborative approach with UNICEF and other UN
agencies leverages the synergies between their respective mandates, striving to deliver tangible
results for children and their families in regions including the Middle East and North Africa,
West and Central Africa, and East and Southern Africa.

Germany's substantial financial support in 2022 encompassed diverse contributions,

including $98 million in Regular Resources, $690 million in Other Resources (regular), and $259
million in Other Resources (emergency).This collaborative effort with Germany has translated
into tangible impacts across our development initiatives and humanitarian responses, spanning
from the Sahel to Afghanistan, from the Horn of Africa to Ukraine. Together, we've strengthened
resilience and social cohesion, bolstered pandemic preparedness and global food security,
supported Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support
(MHPSS) programs, and addressed the often-overlooked crises.

In the face of mounting crises with increasing fragility in various countries and regions,
our collective efforts remain steadfast in addressing some of the most pressing issues. This
collaboration is instrumental in preserving hard-won development gains, advancing children's
rights, and pursuing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at a pivotal juncture, as we
reach the midway point of the Decade of Action while staying unwavering in our
focus.Germany's commitment to flexible funding further empowers our work in regions with
urgent needs, enabling us to respond promptly and effectively to crises and steadfastly advancing
our mandate to uphold the rights of every child, ultimately striving to create a better world for
all. (UNICEF GERMANY, 2022)

Proposed Solutions

Proposed Solutions for Germany in Addressing Child Poverty in Conflict Zones in Lower-
Income Countries:

1. Increase Financial Support: Germany can further increase its financial support to
international organizations working in conflict zones in lower-income countries. This
funding can be directed towards specific child poverty alleviation programs, ensuring that
resources reach the most vulnerable children and their families. Germany's continued
commitment to substantial financial contributions, as demonstrated in 2022, is vital to
these efforts.

2. Capacity Building and Training: Germany can collaborate with international

organizations to provide training and capacity building for local institutions and NGOs in
conflict-affected areas. This support can help these organizations better address child
poverty through effective programs and services.

3. Humanitarian Diplomacy: Germany, as a diplomatic power, can play a key role in

advocating for the protection and welfare of children in conflict zones. Engaging in
diplomatic efforts to bring warring parties to the negotiation table and ensure respect for
international humanitarian law can greatly benefit children in these areas.

4. Promote Education and Mental Health Support: Investing in education initiatives in

conflict zones is crucial. Germany can support the establishment of safe schools and
access to quality education, even during crises. Additionally, providing Mental Health
and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) to children affected by conflict can help address the
psychological trauma they endure.

5. Gender-Responsive Approaches: Emphasizing gender-responsive approaches in

programs aimed at addressing child poverty is essential. Encouraging the inclusion of
girls and women in education and decision-making processes can empower them and
break the cycle of poverty.

6. Coordination and Collaboration: Germany can facilitate collaboration and coordination

among international organizations, governments, and local NGOs. These entities should
work together to ensure that aid reaches the most vulnerable children and that there is no
duplication of efforts.

7. Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding: Germany's experience in peacebuilding and

conflict resolution can be leveraged. By supporting peace processes and reconciliation
efforts in conflict-affected regions, Germany can contribute to creating more stable
environments for children.
 8. Advocacy and Public Awareness: Germany can utilize its position to advocate for child
rights and draw attention to the issue of child poverty in conflict zones through public
awareness campaigns, which can garner international support and resources.

9. Long-Term Commitment: Germany can maintain its long-term commitment to these

efforts. Child poverty in conflict zones is not a short-term issue, and consistency in
support is vital for sustained impact.

10. Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement rigorous monitoring and evaluation

mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of interventions and make data-driven decisions
for improved outcomes.

Bibliography

1. UNICEF. (2022). Child Poverty. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/social-policy/child-

poverty

2. German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). (2021).
Germany's Engagement in Fragile States and Conflict Regions. Retrieved from
https://www.bmz.de/en/index.html

3. World Food Programme. (2021). Germany. Retrieved from

https://www.wfp.org/partners/partner-countries/germany

4. United Nations. (2021). Peacekeeping. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/

5. Federal Foreign Office, Germany. (2021). Germany’s Engagement in Africa. Retrieved from
https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/aussenpolitik/regionalkonzepte/afrika-konzept

6. The World Bank. (2021). Sustainable Development. Retrieved from

https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/sustainabledevelopment

7. Save The Cildren. (2022).