The Impact of the Economic Crisis on Children in East Asia and the Pacific: A UNICEF Perspective (2009–2010)

Abstract

East Asia’s rebound from the economic impact of the global recession is undoubtedly underway. This is impressive considering that despite intra-regional differences, the cumulative impact of the global food price rises, commodity price fluctuations and economic crises on the East Asia and the Pacific Region (EAPR) had been swift and severe. But even as economic recovery may be underway, it is important to note that the social impact of the crisis is yet to be fully assessed. For children, temporary deprivations caused by multiple shocks today may have permanent repercussions. Hence it is important to analyze how the crisis has affected children and continually monitor this to formulate effective policy responses. This chapter aims to explore these issues by (1) outlining the transmission channels of the crises to EAPR countries, (2) assessing the implications of the transmitted shocks on children and child poverty, and (3) highlighting some notable responses mounted by governments with UNICEF assistance in some cases to avert or mitigate these impacts.