A staggering 347 million children in South Asia are grappling with water scarcity, according to a report released by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Monday.
South Asia is home to over a quarter of the world's children and is the most densely populated region globally.
The UNICEF report reveals that a concerning 55% of children in South Asia are affected by water scarcity, marking the highest rate globally.
The scarcity of safe drinking water in the region has become a critical issue.
Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF's Regional Director for the area, stated, "Safe water is a fundamental human right.
However, millions of children in South Asia do not have access to enough drinking water in a region increasingly plagued by climate change-related events such as floods, droughts, and other harsh weather phenomena."
As the UN Climate Change Conference "COP28" approaches at the end of this month in Dubai, UNICEF is urging the international community to take steps to secure a planet where children can thrive.
The report highlights that globally, 594 million children still lack access to basic drinking water, sanitation services, and proper hygiene, rendering them particularly vulnerable to water scarcity, risks, shocks, and climate-related pressures.
Water scarcity affects the well-being and growth of children, leading to food insecurity, malnutrition, and diarrheal diseases.
Additionally, it impacts agriculture, industry, and economic growth. The report warns that if the performance of agricultural households is poor, more children are likely to be forced into child labor.
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