Moldova: Child Poverty Soars in Rural Areas
Thirty percent of children in Moldova live in poverty, a nearly two percentage point increase since 2022, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (BNS).
Rural areas bear the brunt of this issue, with both the highest poverty rates and birth rates. While the government touts reforms and programs aimed at reducing child poverty and increasing birth rates, specialists warn that Moldova faces demographic decline. This trend is likely to be a challenge for decades to come.
Moldova has over half a million children under 17, making up 21% of the population. Data from the BNS also shows a concerning decline in national birth rates, with an 11% decrease in 2023 compared to the previous year. Rural areas again lead in this statistic.
The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection reports that around 11,600 children were in at-risk situations at the end of 2023. Over 72% of these children come from rural areas. Neglect is the most common risk factor, affecting over 10,400 children. Additionally, 547 children experienced violence, and 209 had a deceased parent or single parent. In 106 cases, both parents or the single parent neglected their parental obligations. Tragically, 216 children faced situations that forced them into begging or prostitution.
The data from the BNS, released on the eve of International Children's Day (June 1st), reveals a worsening situation for children in Moldova. In 2023, one in three children lived in poverty, a 2% increase from 2022.
The living environment significantly impacts children's well-being. Children in rural areas face a much higher risk of poverty compared to their urban counterparts. In 2023, the absolute poverty rate for rural children was a staggering 44.6%, compared to 14.4% for urban children. While the urban poverty rate did increase slightly (0.5%) from the previous year, rural areas saw a sharper rise of 4.1%.
"The poverty rate, especially the number of children living in poverty in Moldova, is a cause of immense concern," stated Minister of Labor and Social Protection Alexei Buzu. "This is why all the actions, reforms, initiatives, and programs launched this year have focused on reducing child poverty. Any child living in poverty is a tragedy, and I cannot accept this reality. It is a source of great worry to know that so many Moldovan children face such hardship," Minister Buzu wrote on social media on International Children's Day.
Specialists echo these concerns. The exodus of young people and a mortality rate exceeding the birth rate for years raise serious long-term challenges. Dr. Habilitat in Sociology Olga Găgăuz, speaking on Radio Moldova's "Zi de Zi" program, explained, "If Moldova has indeed entered a period of continuous population decline, this trend cannot be reversed abruptly. However, improvements in socio-economic conditions and the standard of living can positively influence demographic indicators. Economic growth, particularly an increase in the standard of living, will be a key factor in changing these demographic trends."
International Children's Day is celebrated annually on June 1st in over 50 countries, including Moldova. Various cultural and entertainment activities dedicated to children are organised in many Moldovan localities, including the capital city. As reported elsewhere, Children's Day has recently been declared a non-working holiday in Moldova by Parliament.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
