Unicef ​​released this Friday a ranking of the best childcare policies among rich countries.

If Luxembourg, Iceland and Sweden lead the 41 member countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the European Union (EU), this is (really) not the case. from France.

This only comes in 19th place.

The reason ?

Its policy on parental leave.

The classification was made according to criteria of access, price and quality of childcare arrangements, and access to childbirth leave.

For example, the three countries at the top of the list combine “accessibility, reasonable prices and quality of childcare services” and “offer generous parental leave to both parents to allow them a real choice of their mode of care”, indicates this report from the UN agency in charge of children's well-being.

"Too short in relation to the child's needs"

"The leaves available to mothers in France remain too short (basic leave of 18 weeks at full pay, if we take into account pathological leave, Editor's note) with regard to the needs of the child and in comparison with other countries of the OECD ”, explains Unicef.

“In addition, if maternity and paternity leave are relatively well paid, the low compensation for parental education leave and the existence of cultural and professional obstacles make it unattractive”.

Less than half of rich countries offer at least 32 weeks of full-paid leave to mothers, the report said.

And when paternal leave is offered - always much shorter - few fathers take it, especially because of professional and cultural obstacles.

Cyprus, United States and Slovakia in last position

The three countries at the bottom of the rankings, Cyprus, the United States and Slovakia, stand out for "their low investment in leave and childcare", seeming to indicate that they see this "as an advantage rather than a national responsibility ”.

In these countries, a low-income parent can pay up to half of their salary for childcare, it is stated.

The United States is also the only wealthy country that does not have a national policy on childbirth leave, although it may be available in some states or for employees of a few large companies, the report notes.

"Paid parental leave of at least six months"

In a statement, UNICEF encourages states on Friday to reflect on "paid parental leave of at least six months" and "universal access to quality and affordable childcare services, from birth to birth. 'entry into the first year of school'.

"Giving parents the support necessary to give children a solid foundation is not only good social policy, it is also good economic policy," said Henrietta Fore, its managing director.

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