Targeted Support Needed to Combat Child Poverty in Montenegro

Efforts to alleviate poverty in Montenegro must focus on targeted support for the most vulnerable citizens, particularly children living in households below the poverty line. According to Marina Medojević, President of the Food Bank of Montenegro, many children are deprived of guaranteed rights established under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and other European children’s rights frameworks. This statement coincides with the observance of November 20, recognized internationally as Children’s Day, which commemorates the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

In Montenegro, the poverty line for a family of four is set at 589 euros. Medojević emphasized that children from families living below this threshold face significant challenges. She highlighted the necessity for Montenegro to adopt European instruments aimed at combating child poverty, marginalization, and social exclusion as part of its journey towards European Union membership. Ensuring equal access to education, healthcare, adequate housing, and nutritious food for every child, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status, is of utmost importance, she stated.

Many vulnerable groups remain outside the reach of the social assistance system in Montenegro due to rigid eligibility criteria. Medojević pointed out the lack of sufficient free services designed to help families in need. She noted that material aid and social programs do not keep pace with the rising cost of living, leading to an urgent need for targeted support.

“The solution to poverty in Montenegro lies in focused assistance for the most vulnerable citizens, particularly children,” Medojević remarked. She argued that universal measures often have minimal impact on those in the most precarious situations, resulting in little progress toward reducing poverty or social disparities.

Effective support for families with children living at or below the poverty line must be significantly greater compared to those with better living standards. Initiatives such as free preschool programs, extended school hours, hot meals, full housing subsidies, and education vouchers are essential ways to provide help. According to Medojević, a progressive assistance system is critical in addressing the pronounced social inequalities among children in Montenegro.

The state’s support for impoverished families must increase in proportion to their financial difficulties. Medojević emphasized that collaboration among government institutions, local authorities, civil society, and the communities themselves is vital to overcoming the challenges posed by poverty.

As Montenegro continues to navigate its path toward EU integration, it faces the pressing responsibility of addressing child poverty with effective, inclusive, and sustainable solutions.