Watchdog warns Spain of impact of cuts on children

The Council of Europe, the continent's main human rights watchdog, has warned Spain its austerity programme could have a devastating impact on children.

Child poverty reached 30% in 2011 and cuts in welfare, health and education have left some children homeless and malnourished, its report said.

Disabled people also face poverty and increasing marginalisation as state help is withdrawn, the Council found.

But Spain's government said investment in education for all had risen.