A new UNICEF report on poverty in Luxembourg stresses the importance of reducing discrimination and stigmatisation, in addition to fighting the root causes of poverty. According to the report, many people struggle even to acknowledge their poverty and seek help.
One in four children in Luxembourg lives in poverty. While this figure is not new, it is repeated and highlighted in the recent UNICEF report.
The report assessed 44 countries, but only 37 are included in a ranking, as data from several countries – including Luxembourg – were incomplete. Paul Heber of UNICEF Luxembourg stressed that just because data is unavailable does not mean the problems do not exist. The only thing missing data does, Heber said, is make the situation more difficult to gauge.
He explained that what is known – and important to understand – is that inequality goes much further than just money. According to Heber, it influences housing space, access to activities for children, the educational environment, mental health, and children's everyday opportunities.
At the same time, Heber stressed that Luxembourg has the means to collect data. In his view, part of the issue is that the country struggles to acknowledge that problems exist. He noted that the baseline view is that people in Luxembourg are well-off compared to other places. If that is the starting position, Heber argued, it becomes more difficult to admit that things need to change.
Heber stated that a country's wealth does not automatically guarantee that children are doing well. He cited working conditions – specifically fair wages and adequate parental leave – as important factors. Heber pointed out that UNICEF had already highlighted this in its earlier report on child poverty in Luxembourg. He explained that children's welfare depends on the bond with parents and the presence of parents in their lives, both of which have become harder to achieve in today's society. However, Heber sees much potential, adding that progress must go hand-in-hand with access to crèches and care structures, which play an important role. He stressed that none of this is surprising and that everyone generally knows, for instance, how important additional investments in affordable housing would be.
Another key element, according to Heber, is reducing discrimination and stigmatisation. He criticised that many of those affected are suspected of trying to take advantage of the system. In Heber's view, there is a real need for a change in mentality in this regard. He stressed that it is already difficult enough for people to acknowledge their struggles and take the step to seek help.
"Every child should have the same opportunities, no matter the social milieu they come from", Heber said, characterising that as the main message of the report.
