Child poverty in France reaches new high

More than one in five children in France live below the poverty threshold, according to a report by Unicef France released on October 17. The report states that child poverty has reached an unprecedented level in the past thirty years, with nearly 3 million children affected in 2024.

Daily struggles for basic needs

The report highlights that child poverty in France manifests through daily deprivations in housing, food, health, education, and leisure. For example, 2,355 children were without housing after contacting the 115 hotline during the night of August 18, 2026. Additionally, 22.8 percent of children aged 6 to 18 reported eating less than three meals per day in the sixth National Consultation.

France lags behind European peers

While child poverty is decreasing in many European countries, it has continued to rise in France. Although the overall poverty rate in France is slightly below the European Union average, the situation is worse for children, who face a higher risk of poverty compared to their peers in other EU countries.

Unicef calls for action

In response to these figures, Unicef France urges political leaders and presidential candidates to create a national strategy with measurable goals and sustainable resources. The organization suggests increasing support for families, adapting assistance to rising costs, and improving housing conditions for vulnerable households.

Religious leader emphasizes social justice

Poverty and social justice are central themes in the teachings of Pope Léon XIV. His first apostolic exhortation, Dilexi te, focuses on the love of the poor, describing them as "the suffering of the innocent." During a visit to the Maison Bakhita in Paris, he emphasized the dignity of the poor and called for efforts to free them from economic and cultural oppression.