Child poverty is a multidimensional challenge and decades of evidence show that access to cash transfers programs can provide simple and effective protection against poverty, especially extreme poverty. A representative telephone survey conducted in Peru during May and June 2022 indicates broad public support (90%) for a cash transfer program for children and adolescents. In addition, 97% support setting the value of the transfers at least the basic food basket, a value eight times higher than the current transfers in the country. Finally, opinion is divided on the eligibility criteria: almost 60% of those surveyed support restricting the program to those in extreme poverty, while 40% are in favor of broader eligibility criteria, including at least all children and adolescents in poverty.
Across the Americas, child labour policies vary. Business interest groups push for legalisation; working children’s organisations seek regulation to secure worker protections; the ILO calls for prohibition. Social policy strategy and children’s participation are essential to addressing the issue.
