Children are at risk
Children and young people under 18 years of age make up about 17% of the population, which is about 1.2 million. Although most agree that violent discipline harms children, corporal punishment of children is considered appropriate by nearly half of parents. In addition, domestic violence is widespread and underreported. As a result, nearly 50% of young children (aged 1-4) and about 40% of children (aged 5-14) are exposed to physical violence.
1 in 3
Children are at risk of poverty
Basic needs
In the Balkans, Serbia experiences the highest percentage of citizens living below the national poverty line. More than 25% of the population is at risk of poverty or social exclusion, with around 7% living in absolute poverty.
Children are disproportionately affected, with around 30% at risk of poverty and 10% living in absolutely poverty.
As a result, around 120,000 children live precariously on the margins of society where their basic needs can no longer be met.
1 in 3
Children miss out on preschool
Early education
Two-thirds of children ages 3 to 5 attend preschool, with one-third of this age group not attending preschool.
Young children who do not attend preschool are mostly from low-income households. Only 9% of the poorest children in Serbia and 6% of Roma children attend preschool. For children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, early education can make an important contribution to their social and cognitive development, as well as to their social inclusion.
1 in 5
Children are stunted
Malnourishment
Serbia has one of the highest levels of the population living in hunger, with 6% of people being undernourished.
Children face significant consequences of hunger, with 4% experiencing wasting and 6% stunting. The numbers are greater for Roma children where 5% experience wasting and 19% are stunted.
Malnutrition in children has multiple effects, from impaired growth, development and well-being, to a weakened immune system which can lead to disease.
Together we can make a difference for children in Serbia
Are supported in the community
130
Children and young people
Can stay together
20
Children and young people
Are supported on their way to independence
![]()
English language class for refugee children in the Child Friendly Space of SOS Children's Villages in the reception centre Presevo, south Serbia. In Serbia, SOS Children's Villages provides non-formal education to Arabic- and Farsi-speaking refugee children in three locations (photo: K. Ilievska)
Working together for sustainable development
In 2015, leaders from 193 countries committed to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This 15 year plan aims to improve the lives of people by ending poverty, fighting inequality and protecting the planet.
GOAL 1: End poverty
SOS Children’s Villages supports families and communities to keep families together and to help them break out of the cycle of poverty.
GOAL 4: Ensure quality education for all
Every child and young person SOS Children’s Villages supports has access to education, from kindergarten right up to vocational training or university.
GOAL 8: Equal job opportunities for all
SOS Children’s Villages supports young people in developing the skills and self-confidence they need to find decent work and trains parents so that they can have a stable income.
GOAL 10: Reduce inequalities
SOS Children’s Villages works to keep children safe, by promoting peaceful and inclusive communities. We provide training on children’s rights and positive parenting.
GOAL 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies
We advocate laws and practices that ensure social inclusion and protection for children and young people without parental care or from marginalized households.
Let’s keep on protecting children and young people!
Many children have been able to find a safe and secure home. With your help, we can continue to change their lives