SOCIEUX+ presents its comments on the proposed United Nations’ Global Fund for Social Protection

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Olivier De Schutter, called for reactions to the proposal to set up a Global Fund for Social Protection before the proposal is heard by the Human Rights Council in June 2021. SOCIEUX+ warmly welcomes the idea of a global fund to ensure social protection for all and reacted quickly to this call.

During the last decade, social protection schemes have expanded rapidly in countries around the world. The combination of effective examples in various countries and heavy promotions by international organisations has drastically changed the landscape. Nevertheless, coverage gaps still exist and the most vulnerable people are not sufficiently protected. The need for technical knowledge, adequate funding, and global coordination is huge.

In addition, the global COVID-19 pandemic has been a wake-up call. It has shown how social protection schemes can be adequate buffers against unexpected shocks and risks, and exposed the weaknesses and strengths of different systems. Clearly, the time is right for action and global solidarity is needed.

A massive investment in social protection schemes can be a catalyst to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and substantially contribute to reducing inequality, poverty, and vulnerability. Hence, adequate people-centred social protection schemes, including people working in informal sectors, are of pivotal importance and should be seen as an investment. The establishment of a global fund could fulfil this investment, while also catalysing and energising the movement for social protection for all.

Read here the contribution of SOCIEUX+.

More information about the call for reactions can be found on the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights website.