State of the World's Children

State of the World's Children 2007: Women and Children, The double dividend of gender equality
December 2006

The State of the World's Children 2007 examines the discrimination and disempowerment women face throughout their lives - and outlines what must be done to eliminate gender discrimination and empower women and girls. The report argues that investment in women's rights will ultimately produce a double dividend: advancing the rights of both women and children.

State of the World's Children 2006 - Excluded and Invisible
December 2005

The children who are hardest to reach include those living in the poorest countries and most deprived communities within countries and those facing discrimination on the basis of gender, ethnicity, disability or belonging to an indigenous group; children caught up in armed conflict or affected by HIV/AIDS; and children who lack a formal identity, who suffer child protection abuses or who are not treated as children. These children, the factors that exclude them and make them invisible, and the actions that those responsible for their well-being must take to safeguard and include them are the focus of The State of the World’s Children 2006.

State of the World's Children 2005 - Childhood under threat
December 2004

The State of the World’s Children 2005 makes clear, for nearly half of the two billion children in the real world, childhood is starkly and brutally different from the ideal we all aspire to. Poverty denies children their dignity, endangers their lives and limits their potential. Conflict and violence rob them of a secure family life, betray their trust and their hope. HIV/AIDS kills their parents, their teachers, their doctors and nurses. It also kills them.

State of the World's Children 2004 - Girls Education
December 2003

In most countries, girls are the most disadvantaged when it comes to school. These millions of girls slip easily to the margins of our societies – less healthy than they could be, less skilled, with fewer choices in their lives and less hope for the future. As they grow into women, they are ill-prepared to participate fully in the political, social and economic development of their communities. They – and their children in turn – are at higher risk of poverty, HIV/AIDS, sexual exploitation, violence and abuse. Conversely, to educate a girl is to educate a whole family. And what is true of families is also true of communities and, ultimately, whole countries. Study after study has taught us that there is no tool for development more effective than the education of girls. No other policy is as likely to raise economic productivity, lower infant and maternal mortality, improve nutrition and promote health – including helping to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. No other policy is as powerful in increasing the chances of education for the next generation.

State of the World's Children 2003 - Child Participation
December 2002

The State of the World's Children 2003 reports on child participation - the ’right’ of all children to have their opinions taken into account when decisions are being made that affect them. The report showcases examples of meaningful child participation from every region of the world. With photos and artwork by children.

State of the World's Children 2002 - Leadership
December 2001

The State of the World's Children 2002 presents models of leadership from individuals, agencies, organizations and alliances that have improved the lives of children and families. The report spotlights the 'Say Yes for Children' campaign and the UN Special Session on Children.

State of the World's Children 2001 - Early Childhood
December 2000

What happens during the very earliest years of a child’s life, from birth to age 3, influences how the rest of childhood and adolescence unfolds. Yet, this critical time is usually neglected in the policies, pro-grammes and budgets of countries. Drawing on reports from the world over, The State of the World’s  Children 2001 details the daily lives of parents and other caregivers who are striving – in the face of war, poverty and the HIV/AIDS epidemic – to protect the rights and meet the needs of these young children. Country profiles, maps and statistical data for 193 countries are also presented.

State of the World's Children 2000 -A Vision for the 21st Century
December 1999

The State of the World's Children 2000 offers compelling arguments about the power of early care for children, quality education, human rights for women and children and their development. Statistical data for 193 countries are also presented. French and Spanish language versions also available.