Nestled between stunning landscapes and steeped in history, Portugal’s charm is undeniable. As a popular tourist destination, visitors enjoy beautiful mountains in the north and lush terrain in the south. However, behind the charm of this attractive country lies a heartbreaking reality: over 20% of Portuguese children live in poverty. More specifically, almost a third of these children go to bed starving.

Why Is This an Issue?

Economically, Portugal is significantly weaker than its other European counterparts. A considerable number of Portuguese citizens earn notably less than other Europeans, attempting to make ends meet with the monthly minimum wage of €741. This amount is less than half of other countries like the U.K., where the monthly minimum wage is €1,600. The lack of sufficient income coupled with the expensive cost of living makes the lives of the citizenry very difficult. Families with children are in an even worse situation since more money is needed to feed every family member.

Child Labour

Despite laws against child labor, economic difficulties drive many children under 16 to beg. The financial crisis results in kids leaving school early to aid their families. This trend is especially seen in northern Portugal in industries like textiles, footwear and construction. These young workers earn less than one euro hourly, increasing the likelihood of school dropouts and skill deficiencies. 

Luckily, there is a brighter hope for these kids due to the work of entities such as the National Commission for the Promotion of the Rights and the Protection of Children and Young People–an organization founded in 2015 that aims to curb child poverty in Portugal by monitoring the actions taken by the public sector of Portugal regarding dealing with the human rights of children and other vulnerable populations. To date, the NCPRPC has safeguarded the rights of roughly 66,529 children in Portugal since 2021.

Education

In purely economic terms, due to the relatively low salaries of many families, private school fees ranging from €400 to €550 per month can pose a significant financial burden, making it difficult for them to afford these fees alongside their modest incomes. Furthermore, the prospect of a child leaving school to work and earn money is incredibly damaging and dangerous. Because proper education provides access to many opportunities to break the cycle of poverty, any threat to the quality of learning could only deepen and perpetuate the poor lifestyle of children into adulthood. Moreover, the lack of proper education also makes these children susceptible to falling into precarious situations and potential abuses, further exacerbated by their vulnerability due to economic circumstances.

Abuses Stemming From Child Poverty

Child exploitation and abuse is an unsettling reality that plagues Portugal. The numbers, which surpass 4,815 reported cases since 1950, paint a grim picture primarily affecting children between the ages of 10 and 14. This disheartening revelation sheds light on the stark contrast between perception and reality, calling into question prior notions. Legislative shortcomings have paved the way for the trafficking of particularly vulnerable girls, often hailing from impoverished backgrounds, magnifying the urgency of addressing these gaps. Moreover, the alarming practice of children trafficked from regions like Brazil, Eastern Europe and Africa into the heart of Portugal, where their lives are marred by unimaginable suffering, encompassing forced prostitution and a barrage of mistreatment, is unfortunately still rampant. 

Luckily, a resolution is underway. The Portuguese Victim Support Association (APAV), dedicated to aiding crime victims and combating sexual trafficking, partnered with The Body Shop’s impactful global campaign, receiving €44,300 for their anti-trafficking project and garnering seven million signatures for the petition ‘Stop Sex Trafficking of Children and Young People,’ thereby advancing awareness and support efforts.

Solutions

Fortunately, the Portuguese government has taken notice of the human rights violations that stem from child poverty in Portugal, and they took significant steps in 2021 to combat child poverty by participating in EU initiatives like the Child Guarantee National Action Plan. Their plan focuses on crucial aspects such as early education, accessible health care, mental health services, free school meals, housing support and strengthening care institutions. This concerted effort reflects Portugal’s commitment to improving the well-being of vulnerable children. So far, there has been a downward trend in children at risk of poverty since 2021, with childhood poverty decreasing by roughly 2%, reflecting a positive resolution to the issue of child poverty in Portugal.

While addressing child poverty in Portugal remains an urgent task, the government’s dedicated efforts and collective awareness are crucial, as aligning the nation’s inner compassion with its outward allure is imperative for a more harmonious future.

– Neha Yadavalli
Photo: Flickr