Social Security and Social Protection Floors for All

Social security (or social protection) is a human right – the most forgotten human right. Everybody talks about the right to health or education, but few talk about the right to social security. Yet, Article 22 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states “Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security” 

Social security or social protection are public systems aimed at reducing poverty and inequality, and to promoting people’s welfare. Typically, they consist of schemes for children and families, maternity protection, support to those with no jobs/poor, employment injury benefits, sickness and health protection, disability and old-age pensions.

Social security systems are guided by international standards, the most recent being the  Social Protection Floors Recommendation, 2012 (No. 202).

Check two important civil society campaigns:

• Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors
• Campaign for the Right to Social Security