These are challenging times. We have not only been witnessing economic and financial crises since 2008, but also a deep crisis of social justice. Levels of inequality are rising to such an extent both in advanced and in developing countries that we expect that by 2016 the richest one percent of the world’s population will possess more wealth than the other 99%. Since the economic crisis erupted in 2008, more people have been falling under poverty because of slow or inadequate policy responses. Young people today are faced with a more uncertain future than the generation of their parents. No society can afford to ignore this human crisis. An important element of the policy responses required for combating poverty, inequality and economic downturns are social protection measures. Social protection is one of the foundations for inclusive, equitable and sustainable development and it enables people to fully enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms. Well-designed social protection systems ensure decent work and raise living standards, as a result, they support domestic consumption and increase productivity.

And despite what many may think, a floor of protection – as a first step in building up a comprehensive and rights-based social protection system – is affordable, as experiences in various countries have shown. Social Protection Floors (SPFs) aim to provide social protection for all citizens. The adoption of the Recommendation 202 on National Floors of Social Protection in 2012 by world countries constitutes a breakthrough in the establishment of a long overdue policy concept that provides guidance to states on how to build up a comprehensive national social protection system on the solid foundation of a floor, with adequate consultation and national dialogue with all relevant partners. While the main responsibility for the provision of comprehensive social protection or social security systems lies with the states, civil society organizations and trade unions play an important role in supporting an adequate design, implementation and monitoring, as well as advocating for the rights and the empowerment of people.

Direct Link to Full 96-Page 2016 Publication:

http://www.fes.de/GPol/pdf/CivilSocietyGuide.pdf

Извор: WUNRN – 28.04.2016