CHILD POVERTY AND DISPARITIES REGIONAL TECHNICAL WORKSHOP Kathmandu, 7-9 May 2008 PAKISTAN PROGRESS REPORT

does not participate in Child Poverty and Disparities Study but is carrying out a Child Poverty and Budget Study instead using a different methodology UNICEF Pakistan CO

Reasons for PCO not to participate in Global Child Poverty Study Fast-turn around to engage in the process not possible due to heavy workload commitments Unclear political situation made it difficult to engage with a government partner long-term Lack of clarity about key data sources to be authorized by government (PSLMS vs. DHS) Final data analysis carried out at regional and HQ level, detached from the country context and without discussion with the local governments Data aggregated at national levels but in Pakistan devolution plays a key role in planning and resource allocation process

Purpose of Child Poverty and Budget Study Provides an overview of the impact of poverty on child related indicators Reflects on the need to address child poverty at 3 levels (policy-dialogue, sub-national budget management, direct interventions at community/household levels) Provides guidance to specific strategic and sector- wise approaches for CP Inform PCO’s strategic positioning of the CP Becomes contributing part of upcoming UN Common Country Assessment 2009/2010

Overall Purpose of Child Poverty and Budget Study Support UNICEF PCO in its decisions about where to strengthen the CO’s interventions in the areas of policy dialogue and knowledge bases for interventions aimed at ensuring access to basic services with a special focus on child poverty related issues that may negatively impact on access to these services

Methodology Study uses policy cycle as the starting point to identify entry points Focuses on key issues rather than being a broad and general study Diagnostic approach: underlying policy and service delivery processes within government are key for realizing child rights

Methodology cont’d Focus on how households move in and out of poverty, paying particular attention to the role of shocks, risk and coping mechanisms Takes into account particular facets of child poverty UNICEF collaborating rather than contributing partner and leveraging its “place at the policy table”

Major tasks to be accomplished Carry out federal and provincial level budget reviews for key social service sectors (mainly health, education, protection) Carry out analysis of available data on children and women related to poverty and human development Carry out qualitative research involving children to better understand the impact of poverty on children’s lives Complete a child poverty and budget study report highlighting areas where UNICEF should be intervening more prominently in relation to policy dialogue, budgeting for children at federal and provincial levels, and additional research/pilot implementation of projects.

From the TORs Time Frame: June 2008-February 2009 Estimated costs: USD 414,700 End product: A child poverty and budget study report

Thank you