Military

DATE=2/7/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=UNICEF / CITIES (L-ONLY)

NUMBER=2-299365

BYLINE=LISA SCHLEIN

DATELINE=GENEVA

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The United Nations Children's Fund estimates one-billion children -- almost half the children in the world -- live in urban areas. According to a report ("UNICEF Cities") by the children's agency, as cities grow larger, so do the problems children living there have to endure. Lisa Schlein has more from Geneva.

TEXT: The UNICEF report says more than 80 percent of the one-billion children who live in cities live in mega-cities in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

UNICEF spokesman Patrick McCormick says the children in these large cities are the most vulnerable to various forms of exploitation, from child labor to prostitution. They are so poor, Mr. McCormick says, they are often willing to do anything to survive.

/// McCORMICK ACT ///

It is a pretty ferocious environment, when you are down on the bottom, to fight for the scraps that come your way. There is a huge temptation to go into the criminal world. You can see that all over the world. Especially in developing countries, children who are reduced to begging or stealing, or reduced to doing jobs like washing wind screens or handing out newspapers, or whatever it is. These are not sustainable occupations.

/// END ACT ///

The UNICEF report notes that during the last century the world's urban population grew more than ten-fold. As the cities have grown bigger, health conditions have often become worse. In some cities in developing countries, the report says, child mortality rates are as high as 100-to200 per one-thousand live births, and many children suffer from anemia and malnutrition.

However, UNICEF says there is some room for optimism. The report says that some cities around the world are taking steps to make their environments safer and healthier for children.

/// REST OPT ///

It says, in Calcutta, India's second largest city, as many as 42 police stations are involved in activities to protect children at risk, especially street children.

Another child friendly project is under way in the Dominican Republic. The study says 14 cities in that Caribbean country are working with UNICEF to create parks where children can play safely. (Signed)

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