Alongside a universal child benefit, it is crucial to offer additional assistance to the most at-risk children in Montenegro. High-quality services for children and their families at the national level are vital.

This statement was made by the president of the Food Bank, Marina Medojević, in recognition of June 1st, International Children’s Day.

“International Children’s Day has been officially recognized since 1925. Its celebrations are intended to enlighten children, adults, and the community about children’s rights and their needs during growth and development. Globally, 333 million children exist in extreme poverty, with children being at twice the risk of extreme poverty compared to adults. As of 2024, 19.5 million children in the European Union faced poverty or social exclusion.

“As of mid-2023, the population of children aged 0 to 17 in Montenegro is approximately 135, accounting for about 593% of the total population. The latest data from the Statistical Office (Monstat) shows that the child poverty risk rate is 2023 percent,” Medojević stated in a press release.

She emphasized that poverty encompasses not merely a lack of funds but also inadequate access to health care, education, and social and child protection services.

“While the introduction of a universal child allowance for those under 18 in Montenegro has been beneficial, this initiative needs regular adjustments in response to the increasing cost of living.

“Beyond the universal child benefit, it’s essential for the state to recognize vulnerable children who require additional assistance—this support should be both financial and service-based. Determining the appropriate level of benefits must account for household size, the number of children, as well as local prices and earnings,” Medojević explained.

She noted that over the past three years, social assistance in Montenegro has risen by less than 20 euros per individual. During the same period, minimum wages increased by an average of about 300 percent (from 225 to 600 euros), as did the lowest pensions (from 150 to 450 euros).

“Currently, the amount of social assistance officially referred to as material family support (MOP) stands at 94 euros for individuals, 160 euros for a family of four, and up to 179 euros for families with five or more members (the maximum amount).

These sums are three times lower than the ‘poverty line,’ calculated by the state statistical office Monstat, which is set at 280 euros for a single individual and 589 euros for a family of four. The annual social allowance aimed at the poor (MOP) is equivalent to a minister’s or MP’s monthly salary,” Medojević added.

In the journey toward EU integration, Montenegro must align with the European Pillar of Social Rights, which sets forth 20 principles each member state is expected to uphold.

“One key principle is that ‘all children have the right to protection from poverty, proper care, and education,’ and adults are entitled to the basic necessities of life. ‘Unemployed individuals are entitled to unemployment benefits in an amount sufficient to meet their basic needs. Those who cannot afford essential services have the right to extra support from the Government,'” the EU principles assert.

In Montenegro, unemployment benefits are nonexistent, even for those who have been registered with the Social Insurance Institution for decades. Concerns arise about their sustenance during old age, particularly if they lack a pension. The plight of children from these households makes them among the most vulnerable in the nation, especially in single-parent families or families with multiple children. In such contexts, poverty can exceed 40 percent. “These aren’t merely statistics; they represent human lives,” she stressed.

To ensure every child can achieve their potential and rights, Montenegro must strive to alleviate child poverty and guarantee access to quality education, healthcare, and protection against all forms of violence, Medojević stated. Well-crafted social protection systems can elevate children out of poverty, improve access to services and opportunities, and alleviate conditions that might drive children and their families deeper into poverty.

“Research indicates that children living in households where food security is uncertain tend to have poorer health and academic performance compared to those in food-secure households. This underscores the effectiveness of programs that provide snacks for children from low-income families. Children receiving meals at school show better performance, enhancing their chances of continuing their education, lowering health-related risks, and significantly increasing potential future earnings.

“A comprehensive intervention strategy, integrating enhanced family and community engagement along with social support benefits for families and children, would be a beneficial approach to combat multidimensional poverty,” concluded the President of the Food Bank.

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