In a letter to David Cameron, the charities called for action to tackle child poverty and warned that children’s rights were being threatened “daily” by the “lack of access to adequate protection, healthcare, housing, education, nourishment or family support”.
The letter also highlights high levels of youth unemployment across European member states, warning that austerity measures linked to the current economic climate are having a “devastating impact on young lives across the EU”.
“More than one in four children across Europe still live in poverty and experience social exclusion,” said Jackie Brock, chief executive of Children in Scotland, one of the five charities.
“The member states of the European Union have a shared legal obligation to meet the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, helping to address the inequalities which should not exist in today’s society.”
The EU talks ended on Friday last week, with member states failing to reach a budget agreement. Leaders are due to meet again next month to try to come to a resolution on spending plans.
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