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  • Publication | 2024

Evaluation of UNICEF social protection responses towards universal child benefits

Global Food and Nutrition Security

The global evaluation of UNICEF social protection responses towards universal child benefits aims to assess the role of UNICEF in the progressive expansion – and, ultimately, universalization – of child benefits, focusing specifically on programmes that provide cash transfers for the benefit of children, either directly or indirectly, to households with children.

It examines the multifaceted dimensions of progressive child benefits, analysing the intricate interplay between social, economic and development outcomes, with a focus on four critical areas of UNICEF support, namely: (a) evidence -based advocacy; (b) fiscal space mobilization; (c) capacity-building; and (d) strategic partnership.

The evaluation offers a series of recommendations that advocate for continued knowledge dissemination, leveraging UNICEF expertise in public finance, bolstering government capacity-building, and enhancing partnerships for unified impact. Grounded in the evaluation findings, these recommendations propose actions through which UNICEF can strengthen support to Governments in the expansion of child benefit programmes towards universalization and the broader realization of children’s rights to secure a brighter future for all children.

Elements of a draft decision for consideration by the Executive Board are provided in section V.