Social Protection
Social protection refers to systems – within communities or put in place by governments – to prevent or compensate for situations that adversely affect people’s well-being. Such systems are typically intended to address risks associated with unemployment, illness, disability, old age or losses due to some natural events (such as the effects of drought on agriculturalists). They may include labour market interventions, social insurance or social assistance measures.
What “Transforming our World – Agenda 2030” says about housing and physical infrastructure…
In the declaration (#7), governments agreed a vision of “A world with equitable and universal access to… …social protection, where physical, mental and social well-being are assured” and (in #24) that “All people must enjoy a basic standard of living, including through social protection systems.”
Under SDG (#1) – End poverty in all its forms everywhere – target 1.3 is: “Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable”.
Under SDG #5, target 5.4 is: “Recognize and value unpaid care and domestic work through the provision of public services, infrastructure and social protection policies and the promotion of shared responsibility within the household and the family as nationally appropriate.”
Under SDG #10, target 10.4 is: “Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality.”
Share your experience and ideas:
- What social protection systems function within your community/country? What systems existed in the past but no longer function? Why?
- Who benefits from social protection? Who is not covered by any form of social protection?
- Can you provide any examples of social protection systems that function elsewhere?
- What is the role of social protection for making progress towards the SDGs in general and the well-being of people and the planet?