Published as an instalment of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Social Protection Policy Papers, this publication examines the case of social protection policies as an essential element of realizing children’s rights, ensuring their well-being, breaking the cycle of poverty and vulnerability, preventing child labour, and helping all children realize their full potential.

An in-depth exploration is made of how low-income countries can increase funding of social protection policies and, purposefully, increase income security for children and families. The publication attempts to analyse the actual costs of universal child benefits in developing countries.