Thank you for the opportunity to address this esteemed panel on behalf of 12 civil society organizations and the Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors. Despite its recognition in various international treaties, the right to social security remains largely unfulfilled and neglected, with less than half of the world's population having access to it.
In our effort to collectively reclaim the right to social security, we have submitted written input to the Human Rights Council Resolution 52/11. Drawing upon evidence from over 50 countries, we demonstrate that a universal model of social security is feasible, even in low-income countries, provided there is political will.
We also identify systematic barriers that keep this right out of reach for many:
- First, the overreliance on means-testing as the entry point has perpetuated the misconception of social security as a form of charity, rather than a human right.
- Second, the privatization of social security can leave many, especially women and low- income earners, without adequate benefits.
- Third, the exclusion of irregular and informal workers perpetuates economic precarity and exacerbates inequalities.
- Fourth, the use of automation and artificial intelligence has resulted in new forms of exclusions.
We urgently call upon states and international organizations, including the World Bank and the IMF, to correct course and take decisive action to overcome these barriers and ensure the right to social security for all.
Thank you.
Signed Organizations:
1. Act Church of Sweden
2. Action contre la Faim
3. Arab Reform Initiative (ARI)
4. Arab Renaissance for Development and Democracy (ARRD)
5. Colombo Urban Lab
6. Development Pathways
7. Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors
8. Global Social Justice
9. Human Rights Watch
10. Institute for Economic Justice
11. Initiative for Social and Economic Rights
12. Social Policy Initiative
13. We Social Movements (WSM)
