Social Protection for All! More than a luxury, a necessity

While social security measures have played a critical role in reducing the social and economic impact of economic crises in Developing countries as well as in Europe, now and in the past, basic social security coverage remains out of reach for most of the world, especially in low-income countries.

This is the main message of the just published "World Social Security Report 2010-2011: Providing coverage in times of crisis and beyond" by the International Labour Organization.

In the last few years, the role of social protection in reducing poverty and enhancing growth has been recognized by several development cooperation actors.

In 2009, DAC Network on Poverty Reduction recognized that Employment and social protection, two critical avenues towards achieving pro-poor growth and the Millennium Development Goals, have not received enough attention in public policy making. In the same document. It highlighted that "social protection programs can be affordable, including in the poorest countries, when they are well designed and well implemented. Countries can start off small and expand coverage and benefits over time, on the basis of emerging evidence and expanding support. But social protection needs strong and long-term political will and commitment as well to deliver lasting benefits. Aid donors can help by committing to a long-term partnership with developing countries to provide the technical and financial support needed to underpin developing countries' efforts".

Finally, the political interest in the contribution social protection can make to directly reducing poverty, helping poor women and men better tackle vulnerability and embark on more sustainable routes out of poverty, is also witnessed by the fact that the next European Development report commissioned by the European Commission will focus on social protection. The report will be officially launched on December 7th at the European Development Days.