Uzbekistan witnessed a sharp decline in child poverty, with a reduction from 21.5% in 2021 to 13.7% in 2023, the Centre for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) and the UN Children's Fund report. The study identified the lowest child poverty rates in the Navoiy region and Tashkent city, with Syrdarya and Jizzakh regions showing higher levels.
In 2023, social benefits reached 10.8 mn individuals, including 9 mn people from low-income families receiving child allowances and material assistance, totaling UZS 12.3 trillion ($974.4 mn) in payments.
Utilizing data from a household budget survey, which expanded its reach to over 16,000 families across the nation, the research found notable differences in poverty reduction between rural and urban areas. Rural child poverty rates dropped from 24.6% to 14.5%, while urban rates decreased from 18% to 13%.
Analysis of social payment distribution indicated a primary focus on the poorer population segments, although nearly 6% of recipients were among the wealthiest 20% of households. Old-age pensions, conversely, were more uniformly distributed, reflecting a universal support system for the old-age people.
The absence of social transfers, the study suggested, could increase overall poverty rates from 11% to 20.8%, child poverty from 13.7% to 21.8%, and poor pensioners from 7.3% to 31.4%, highlighting the social protection system's role in poverty alleviation.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)