Legal age of marriage and any exceptions to that legal age

Setting and enforcing a minimum legal age of marriage helps prevent child marriage, protect children from exploitation, and promote their rights. This measure identifies the legal minimum age at which individuals can marry under national laws.

Children living in household that received social transfers or benefits in the last 3 months (%)

Children living in household that received social transfers or benefits in the last 3 months (%). Social transfers covers various forms of financial assistance and support provided to vulnerable families and individuals.

CIVICUS rating of civic space (respect in policy and practice for the freedoms of peaceful assembly, association and expression which are underpinned by the state’s duty to protect civil society)

CIVICUS rating of civic space (respect in policy and practice for the freedoms of peaceful assembly, association and expression) underpinned by the state’s duty to protect civil society and evaluating the  environment for civil society organisations.

Children experiencing at least one extreme climate event per year (%)

Children experiencing at least one extreme climate event  per year (%), such as wildfires, crop failures, droughts, river floods, heatwaves, and tropical cyclones. Extreme climate events threaten children's safety, health, and well-being.

Children experiencing at least one crop failure per year (%)

Children experiencing at least one crop failure per year (%). Crop failures due to factors such as adverse weather conditions, pests, or diseases can lead to food insecurity, malnutrition, and poverty.

Children experiencing at least one tropical cyclone per year (%)

Children experiencing at least one tropical cyclone per year (%). Tropical cyclones bring extensive destruction such as strong winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding, endangering children's lives.

Children experiencing at least one drought per year (%)

Children experiencing at least one drought per year (%). Droughts can lead to food and water shortages, malnutrition, displacement, and adverse health outcomes.

Children experiencing at least one wildfire per year (%)

Children experiencing at least one wildfire per year (%). Wildfires can result in widespread destruction of ecosystems, property damage, air pollution, and affect health, posing risks to children's safety.

Children experiencing at least one river flood per year (%)

Children experiencing at least one river flood per year (%). River floods can result in displacement, damage, injuries, and loss of life, posing significant risks to children's safety, health, and well-being.

Children experiencing at least one heatwave per year (%)

Children experiencing at least one heatwave per year (%). Heatwaves can have serious health consequences, including heat-related illnesses and deaths, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Probability of a child dying before they reach their first birthday (per 1,000 live births)

Highlighting the effectiveness of healthcare systems and socio-economic conditions impact child welfare, infant mortality shows the likelihood of a child dying before their first birthday (expressed as the number of deaths per 1,000 live births)

Probability of a child dying before they reach their fifth birthday (per 1,000 live births)

Under-five mortality is an important indicator of the health and well-being of children and their families. It measures how many children die before they reach the age of five years (expressed as the number of deaths per 1,000 live births). 

Cost of the least expensive locally-available foods to meet requirements for food-based dietary guidelines (in current PPP dollar/person/day)

This indicator measures the cost of the least expensive locally-available foods required to meet the dietary recommendations (in current PPP dollar/person/day). This helps evaluate the economic barriers to achieving a healthy diet.

Population who cannot afford a healthy diet (%)

This indicator measures the percentage of the population who cannot afford to consume a healthy diet due to financial constraints (%). Monitoring the population unable to afford a healthy diet highlights disparities in food access and affordability.

National guidelines for competencies of health workers in adolescent health

National guidelines outlining the competencies of health workers in adolescent health ensure that healthcare providers are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to address the unique health needs and concerns of adolescents.

Children living in a conflict zone, defined as proximity of =50km around a violent conflict (%)

Children living in a conflict zone, defined as proximity of =50km around a violent conflict (%). Conflicts heightened children's safety, well-being, and development. This data helps identify populations at risk and inform humanitarian responses.

Prohibition of corporal punishment in alternative care settings, day care, schools, penal institutions and as sentence for a crime

Banning corporal punishment helps protect children from physical harm, psychological trauma, and violations of their rights. This measure assesses the existence and enforcement of legal prohibitions on corporal punishment in various settings.

Index of perceived levels of?public sector corruption from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean)

The Corruption Perceptions Index ranks public sector corruption in 180 countries. Perceived levels helps identify corruption risks and challenges in governance and service delivery. The results are given from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).

Children or young people (aged 3-5 years above age for the last grade) who have completed primary education (%)

Children or young people (aged 3-5 years above age for the last grade) who have completed primary education (%). It helps to understand if children finish school, ensuring that more students achieve the qualifications necessary for future opportunities.

Children or young people (aged 3-5 years above age for the last grade) who have completed lower secondary education (%)

Children or young people (aged 3-5 years above age for the last grade) who have completed lower secondary education (%). It helps to understand if children finish school, ensuring that more students achieve the qualifications necessary for future opportunities.

Children or young people (aged 3-5 years above age for the last grade) who have completed upper secondary education (%)

Children or young people (aged 3-5 years above age for the last grade) who have completed upper secondary education (%). It helps to understand if children finish school, ensuring that more students achieve the qualifications necessary for future opportunities.

Interest paid on public debt (% government revenues)

Interest paid on public debt (% government revenues). High levels of interest payments relative to government revenues can strain fiscal resources and limit funding available for essential public services and development programs.

Assessment of debt distress by World Bank and IMF based on the Debt Sustainability Framework

The Debt Sustainability Framework analyses countries' debt burdens, repayment capacity, and vulnerability to debt-related risks. It  identifies countries facing unsustainable debt and potential financial crises, informing debt management.

Women (aged 15-49 years) who experienced physical or sexual violence (%)

Women who experienced physical or sexual violence (%). Addressing gender-based violence is crucial for protecting women's rights, safety and well-being. This data informs strategies for prevention and support services for survivors.

Children (aged 7-14) who demonstrate foundational numeracy skills (%)

Children (aged 7-14) who demonstrate foundational numeracy skills (%). This data can inform curriculum, teaching, and interventions to improve numeracy, ensuring all children have foundational numeracy skills.

Children (aged 7-14) who demonstrate foundational reading skills (%)

Children (aged 7-14) who demonstrate foundational reading skills (%) This data can inform literacy programmes, teaching, and policies to improve reading, ensuring all children acquire essential literacy skills.

Children and young people (age 5-24 years) currently attending primary education or higher, receiving support for school tuition or other school related support (%)

Children and young people (age 5-24 years) receiving support for school tuition or other school related support (%). Scholarships, grants, subsides or fee waivers can help ensure access to quality education and reduce financial barriers.

Number of attacks on students, personnel and institutions

The number of reported attacks covers various forms of violence, including physical assault, threats, and attacks on educational facilities. Tracking attacks is essential to safeguard the right to education and ensure a safe learning environment.

Young people (age 15-24 years) who can both read and write with understanding a short simple statement (%)

Young people (age 15-24 years) who can both read and write with understanding a short simple statement (%), a key skill for children and young people to thrive and harness future opportunities.

Children attend organised learning programmes one year before the official primary entry age (%) 

Early childhood education programmes have an important role in cognitive development. The percentage of children in organised learning programmes reflects early childhood education initiatives and readiness for formal schooling. 

Government expenditure on education as percentage of GDP (%)

Share of the GDP allocated to education-related expenditures by the government. It reflects the level of investment in education relative to the overall economy, and provides insights into the prioritisation of education within the national budget.

Expenditure on education as percentage of total government expenditure (%)

Proportion of a country's total expenditure allocated to education-related programs and initiatives. It reflects the government's commitment to investing in education, adequate funding is essential for expanding access to quality education.

Total expenditure on social protection (excluding health) as percentage of government expenditures (%)

Total expenditure on social protection as percentage of government expenditures (%). Social protection covers various policies and programs aimed at reducing poverty, vulnerability, and inequality. 

Expenditure on social protection systems for children as percentage of government expenditures (%)

Expenditure on social protection systems for children as percentage of government expenditures (%). Child-focused social protection can involves cash transfers or child allowances that benefit directly children and their families.

Expenditure on social protection systems for children as percentage of GDP (%)

Expenditure on social protection systems for children as percentage of GDP (%). Child-focused social protection can involves cash transfers or child allowances that benefit directly children and their families.

Total expenditure on social protection (excluding health) as percentage of GDP (%)

Total expenditure on social protection as percentage of GDP (%), measuring the level of investment in social safety nets. Social protection covers various policies and programs aimed at reducing poverty, vulnerability, and inequality. 

External health expenditures as percentage of total health expenditures (%)

The ratio of healthcare funding from external sources to total health expenditure (%). This measure informs decision-makers on external aid dependency and asses health financing mechanisms sustainability and resilience.

Population with poor or borderline food consumption according to the Food Consumption Score (%)

The Food Consumption Score evaluates dietary diversity and nutritional adequacy. This measure indicates the percentage of the population with poor/borderline food consumption, offering insights into food security and nutritional well-being.

Change of food prices compared to corresponding month of the previous year (%)

Change of food prices compared to corresponding month of the previous year (%). Such fluctuations can disrupt food affordability, access, and nutrition, affecting children's dietary intake and well-being.







Policy/legislation on free access to health services for children under 5 years

A policy or legislation that guarantee free access to healthcare services for children ensures equitable access to essential health services, regardless of socioeconomic status or ability to pay.

Policy/legislation on free access to health services for children 5-9 years

Policy/legislation on free access to health services for adolescents 10-19 years

A policy or legislation that guarantee free access to healthcare services for children and adolescents ensures equitable access to essential health services, regardless of socioeconomic status or ability to pay.

Domestic general government health expenditure as percentage of GDP (%)

Percentage of a country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) that is spent on healthcare by the government (%). This indicator reflects the level of investment in the healthcare sector relative to the country's overall economic input.

Iman*

There [the house I used to live in], I used to feel at home and live safely. I could go to our lands without anyone interfering with us. Here, everything is forbidden to us. We are locked up at home. The tents are very hot. We cannot live well inside… “[The things about climate change that scare me are] storms and sea dryness. Because if it dries up, there will be no water for us.

Zambia is a lower middle income country in Eastern & Southern Africa. It ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. In 2015 the country committed to support delivery of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and the pledge to leave no one behind.

Zambia

Masiye*

Things started to get tough as money (SCT) became irregular and she could no longer sustain her businesses. Given her physical condition she cannot do manual work such as weeding, cooking, harvesting maize and carrying charcoal for selling. I help basically with everything.

Because of the extreme weather and income inequality, the quality-of-life decrease.

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