The South Africa government’s report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child #UNCRC, on progress in realising children's rights, continues today from 11am to 2pm (SAST). Watch it live, here: webtv.un.org/en #ChildRightsNow UNChildRights

#UNCRC member Philip D. Jaffé asked South Africa government for a breakdown of the 25% of children in South Africa who are not living with their parents. Social Development Department (DSD) replied that there are 18,179 children in child and youth care centres and 222,317 in foster care.

Philip D. Jaffé There were just over 4 mil children not living with their parents in 2022 bit.ly/3Ucomcu. Vast majority are in care of relatives mostly through agreement with their parents because their parents are living or working elsewhere for economic reasons. #UNCRC #ChildRightsNow

Philip D. Jaffé Their caregivers can access the Child Support Grant (CSG) of R510. This grant is 30% below the Food Poverty Line of R760, therefore many of these children are living in food poverty and their caregivers are struggling to feed them on a daily basis. #UNCRC #ChildRightsNow #CRC95

Philip D. Jaffé Of 4 mil not living with parents, 1 mil are orphans. Majority of orphans are living with relatives, entitled to CSG top-up of R760 which is just enough to feed a child. But DSD told #UNCRC only 60,000 orphans get CSG top-up. What is DSD doing to improve CSG top-up for orphans?

Thank you, terre des hommes Southern Africa, for supporting our #children & #youth sector consultations, ahead of comments on the White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration & Refugee Protection! They have the right to be actively involved in decisions, processes & policies that affect their lives. 🗣️📝💡