The Dutch children's ombudsman has called for better monitoring of children living in poverty in the Netherlands. According to the first edition of the Netherlands Children's Rights Monitor, one in 10 children in the country grows up in poverty.

The report, compiled by the Netherlands Institute for Social Research (SCP) said there are 327,000 children growing up in poverty: this means the family has to manage on a maximum of €1,400 per month. According to the SCP and the Children's Rights Monitor, families earning below that amount do not have enough money for healthy, nutritious food, good clothing or luxuries such as swimming lessons or sports clubs.

Children’s Ombudsman Marc Dullaert says the majority of children in the Netherlands are happy and live in prosperous circumstances but he is concerned about around half a million children, because they either live in poverty or just above poverty levels or they are victims of child abuse. He also said that the economic crisis will increase the number of children living in poverty by 40,000 this year.

Labour Party leader Diederik Samsom blamed child poverty in the Netherlands on policies pursued by the outgoing VVD/CDA coalition cabinet. According to Samsom: "18 months of Rutte have not only led to a country in recession and growing unemployment but also an increase in the number of children growing up in poverty and families with significant debts."

(jric)
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