ZAGREB, May 18, 2020 – Denmark’s government has supported UNICEF’s global humanitarian response plan for fighting the coronavirus pandemic, and HRK 2.4 million have been allocated for helping children in Croatia, UNICEF said on Monday.
The funds will be used to implement UNICEF’s priority programmes to support children and families at high risk in Croatia, whose lives have been affected by the pandemic and its serious socioeconomic consequences.
Denmark supports the UN’s strong and coordinated activities which at the same time address immediate humanitarian needs and long-term socioeconomic consequences. Denmark has thus supported UNICEF’s global response plan for the COVID-19 pandemic with HRK 50 million, and I am pleased that part of these funds would go to UNICEF’s support for children in Croatia, said Christian Thorning, Ambassador of Denmark to Croatia.
Regina M. Castillo, UNICEF’s Representative in Croatia, has thanked for the financial aid and underscored that the pandemic is a health crisis that also becomes a children’s rights crisis.
Although it seems that the coronavirus leaves most children with minor health consequences, the secondary effects on children, especially on those from most vulnerable groups, are much more far-reaching. Many health, education and social services have been suspended. Some parents have lost their jobs and families are under increasing pressure, Castillo added.
Within the national campaign “Together against the Coronavirus”, UNICEF provides children and families in Croatia with the support that includes purchasing protective and medical equipment, disinfectants, hygiene supplies and other priority equipment, as well as support for children and families facing socioeconomic challenges and at risk of poverty.
Globally, UNICEF’s activities for fighting the pandemic are aimed at providing access to healthcare services, food, clean water and sanitation, as well as supporting the education and protection of children.
