News GESS

El Programa Jóvenes con Más y Mejor Trabajo festejó en Tecnópolis su tercer año de implementación

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 23:00:00 GMT

El Programa Jóvenes con Más y Mejor Trabajo llevó a cabo un acto en la megamuestra de las ciencias “Tecnópolis”, donde se compartieron los resultados de las experiencias acumuladas por el programa entre 1.200 jóvenes de la provincia de Buenos Aires y de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires.

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Fuente: Gacetillas y noticias del MTEySS (www.trabajo.gov.ar), 16 de noviembre de 2011

La AUH incorporó a 140 mil chicos a las escuelas

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:45:03 GMT

El ministro de Educación, Alberto Sileoni, divulgó una investigación realizada por seis universidades, que contó con 1300 entrevistas en 28 localidades de ocho provincias, que demuestra el crecimiento de la matrícula escolar a partir de la implementación de la Asignación Universal por Hijo, y resaltó que "el aula desplazó al comedor como corazón de la escuela, cosa que se traduce en una mejor calidad educativa".

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Fuente: Diario Página/12 (www.pagina12.com.ar), 8 de noviembre de 2011

Se declara el 2011 "Año del Trabajo Decente"

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Por Decreto 75/2011, publicado en el Boletín Oficial, se declara el “Año del Trabajo Decente, la Salud y Seguridad de los Trabajadores” al año 2011.

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Fuente: Secretaría de Comunicación Pública, Presidencia de la Nación (http://www.prensa.argentina.ar), 27 de enero de 2011

Seminario sobre Economía Informal en Argentina

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 23:00:00 GMT

La Oficina de País de la OIT para la Argentina realizó un Seminario sobre Economía Informal en Argentina, con el objetivo de examinar y debatir sobre las políticas y porgramas destinados a incrementar la formalización y mejorar las condiciones de trabajo decente de los trabajadores y familias en la economía informal.

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Fuente: OIT Argentina (http://www.oit.org.ar), 26 de octubre de 2011

Luces y sombras de la Asignación Universal por Hijo. Una investigación indagó sobre los efectos educativos del plan del Gobierno

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 23:00:00 GMT

A dos años de la implementación de la Asignación Universal por Hijo, el “presentismo” y la “retención de matrícula” aparecen como las dos consecuencias educativas más importantes de la medida, según un informe donde se analiza el impacto cualitativo de la misma.

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Fuente: Diario Clarin (www.clarin.com), 9 de noviembre de 2011

Bossio y Sileoni presentaron un informe sobre la influencia positiva de la Asignación Universal en la educación

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:42:34 GMT

En relación a las percepciones generales de la AUH, los actores entrevistados coincidieron en que el requisito de la escolaridad “constituye un acierto”. Las estimaciones positivas, desde la perspectiva educativa, se refieren principalmente a la “revaloración de la educación pública y la institucionalización de derechos sociales como plataforma desde donde interpretar la inclusión social de los sectores históricamente postergados”, indica el informe.

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Fuente: General/Prensa del ANSES (www.anses.gov.ar), 8 de noviembre de 2011

Study on migrant workers and social protection in ASEAN available online!

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 23:00:00 GMT

A study was recently published on migrant workers and social protection in ASEAN. Mahidol Migration Center (MMC) undertook this study for FES and Migrant Forum in Asia. Case studies for this research were Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and the Phillipines.

To access the study, clik here!

Providing health care for all: 12-23 March 2012, Turin, Italy

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Health care should be guaranteed to all people, whether or not they are gainfully occupied. This course examines the two options for ensuring universal coverage: social health insurance and public health services. Focusing primarily on the needs of practitioners, it enables participants to evaluate the impact and cost of the two systems, and to design and implement policy measures.

Executives, managers, planners, financial officers and other professionals in healthcare and health insurance schemes, in both governments and non-governmental sectors.

For further information, download the 2012 ILO International Training Centre Catalogue

Cambodia launches social protection strategy for poor

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Cambodia on Monday officially launched the National Social Protection Strategy for the Poor and Vulnerable, aimed at protecting the poorest and most disadvantaged against chronic poverty and hunger, shocks, and destitution, said the government's press release.

Read full article.

People's Daily Online (Beijing), 5 Dec. 2011.

Report highlights progress in social security coverage

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Significant progress in the extension of social security coverage to some of Africa’s most vulnerable population groups continues to be made, notably through innovative cash transfer and health-care programmes, according to a new report published by the International Social Security Association (ISSA).

Read full article.

IPPmedia (Dar es Salam), 6 Dec. 2011.

International Conference on Universal Health Coverage, Bangkok, 24-28 January 2012

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:00:00 GMT

The Prince Mahidol Award Conference 2012 will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, during the week of 24-28 January 2012. Sponsored by the Prince Mahidol Award Foundation and co-sponsored by other global partners, such as the World Bank and the World Health Organisation, the conference will focus on the extension of universal health coverage.

The participants will discuss issues such as: the need to position universal health coverage in the global and national development agendas; the necessity to identify factors contributing to the success of health financing reforms; and the opportunity to review and share experiences among various countries at different stages of development.

For more information, see the conference website and detailed programme.

Sustainability and Equity: A Better Future for All

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Launch of the 2011 Human Development Report

Friday 9 December 2011 | 9:30 AM
Room Bungener, 22 rue Rothschild (ground floor), Site Rothschild
Free entrance but registration required

Development progress in the world's poorest countries could be halted or even reversed by mid-century unless bold steps are taken now to slow climate change, prevent further environmental damage, and reduce deep inequalities within and among nations, according to projections in the 2011 Human Development Report.

Sustainability and Equity: A Better Future for All argues that environmental sustainability can be most fairly and effectively achieved by addressing health, education, income, and gender disparities together with the need for global action on energy production and ecosystem protection.

The launch, preceded by a welcome coffee at 9:30 AM, will begin with a 30 minute presentation by:

Yannick Glemarec
Executive Coordinator of the Global Environment Facility and Director of Climate Change, United Nations Development Programme.

This presentation will be followed by a panel with:

Kees van der Ree
Coordinator of the International Labour Organization Green Jobs Programme

Steven Stone
Head of the Economics and Trade Branch, United Nations Environment Programme Regional Office for Europe

Poul Engberg-Pedersen
Deputy Director-General, International Union for the Conservation of Nature

Gopalan Balachandran
Professor, International History, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies

Moderator
Jean Fabre
Former Director of Communications, UNDP Office in Geneva

More information about the 2011 Human Development Report

This event is organised by the Graduate Institute and the United Nations Development Programme

For registration please contact: salwa.al-dalati@undp.org by 7 December

Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies

PO Box 136 - 1211 Geneva 21 - Switzerland - Tel. +41 22 908 57 00 - http://graduateinstitute.ch

Let's reach 1 million signatures by 1 February 2012

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 23:00:00 GMT

The NGO Committee for Social Development is collecting signatures in support of a universal “Social Protection Floor” for all people. This petition asks all governments to ensure that all citizens, particularly the most vulnerable, have access to the most basic services, such as food, shelter, education and health care. It is expected to present at least 1 million signatures in support of this initiative to the UN Commission on Social Development next February.

Please send this information to all your friend networks, schools, parishes, and ministries.

So far, 3348 people have signed the petition (in four languages).

Sign up the petition (also available in Portuguese).
More information about the Social Protection Floor.

Expert Meeting on extension of social security and SPF- Learning from regional experiences, Jakarta, 12 to 15 December 2011

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 23:00:00 GMT

The Meeting aims at sharing regional experiences concerning the implementation of the social protection floor, the expansion of social security coverage, and the provision of income security measures and employment services.

The first day will focus on sharing global and country experiences on the design and the establishment of a Social Protection Floor and the extension of social security. On the second day, tools and methods to assess social protection situation and provide recommendations will be discussed as well as ways to extend access to health care and provide income security for children. The third day will discuss the design and implementation options of unemployment insurance (UI) schemes, as well as initiatives to extend income security and active labour market policies to the informal economy workers. It is anchored in the ILO/Japan funded project “Promoting Unemployment Insurance and Employment Services in ASEAN (ASEAN UI Project)”. The fourth and last day will address income security for the elderly and the disabled as well as several critical issues to extend social security coverage.

Technology Makes Cash Transfers Safer in Kenya

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 23:00:00 GMT

In the slums of Kenya's capital, residents and aid groups are using new technology to send and receive money.

Read full article.

C. Majtenyi, "Technology Makes Cash Transfers Safer in Kenya", in Voice of America, 20 Oct. 2011.

ASEAN Seminar on Unemployment Insurance and Active Labour Market Policies, 20-21 March 2012, Ho Chi Minh City.

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 23:00:00 GMT

The Government of Viet Nam and the ILO are organizing a tripartite meeting aiming to raise awareness and share knowledge and experiences related to the promotion of unemployment insurance and active labour market policies for both formal and informal economies workers.

The event is financed by the ILO/Japan Bimultilateral Programme through its project to promote UI and employment services in ASEAN.

Zambia: Pensions - A compulsory state pension system-State plan on the cards

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 23:00:00 GMT

The Zambian government is discussing the introduction of a compulsory state pension system after poor pension planning and the performance of some retirement industry players. However, this could take at least three years for the government to establish the infrastructure necessary to do so. The new system should retain much of the current three-tier structure, which is old age pensions, for those over 60 years of age; centralized defined benefit based on average lifetime earnings; and finally to contribute a percentage of income above R150000 to a national social security fund.

Read full article

fm.co.za. Naisoo, P., “Finanacial Mail”, “Pensions - A compulsory state pension system-State plan on the cards”, (17 November 2011.

Indian Cabinet Approves Bill to Overhaul Pensions

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 23:00:00 GMT

India's federal cabinet approved a pension-overhaul bill that could pave the way for foreign direct investment for the first time in managing the country's retirement savings.

Read full article

R. Rajesh, "Indian Cabinet Approves Bill to Overhaul Pensions", in The Wall Street Journal, 16 Nov. 2011.

International Conference on Social Determinants of Health, London, 21-22 November 2011

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 23:00:00 GMT

An international conference on the social determinants of health, organized by Health Action Partnership International (HAPI), a community interest company bringing together leading professionals and organisations involved in the field of health, with the support of the British Medical Association and University College London, will be held in the British Medical Association House, on 21-22 November.

Entitled "The Social Determinants of Health: European and Global Actions", the conference will involve international participants from the areas of research, NGO/civil society, industry, international development, practice and policy making. It will focus on the themes that have been developed at the WHO Global Conference, with particular emphasis on the practical actions that can be taken to build active European and global networks and partnerships.

For more information, see the conference website and programme.

The International Training Centre of the ILO, Turin, has published its 2012 training catalogue

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 23:00:00 GMT

The catalogue can be consulted at http://www.itcilo.org/en/2012. It provides details on the academies, new courses linked to major policy developments in areas such as Domestic Workers, the Social Protection Floor, Labour Inspection, Gender Equality and non-Discrimination as well as a wide range of topics related to the Decent Work Agenda. ILO offices in the regions and technical units at headquarters are requested to actively promote these training courses with interested partners and institutions.

Hard copies of the catalogue are available from communications@itcilo.org.

The global jobs crisis: the G-20 must act now to avoid a lost decade - Op-Ed by ILO Director-General

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 23:00:00 GMT

At the G20 summit in Cannes, the Director General from the ILO, Juan Somavia, made a statement on the current situation of employment, referring to the alarming state of the global labor market and the need to take concrete action to restore economic growth for employment. One of the four measures mentioned is the establishment of a social protection floor.

Read the declaration

ILO, “The global jobs crisis: the G-20 must act now to avoid a lost decade – Op-Ed by ILO Director-General Juan Somavia”, 2 November 2011

Health at a Glance 2011, OECD Indicators

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 23:00:00 GMT

This sixth edition of Health at a Glance provides (forthcoming, OECD) the latest comparable data on different aspects of the performance of health systems in OECD countries. It provides striking evidence of large variations across countries in the costs, activities and results of health systems. Key indicators provide information on health status, the determinants of health, health care activities and health expenditure and financing in OECD countries. Each indicator in the book is presented in a user-friendly format, consisting of charts illustrating variations across countries and over time, brief descriptive analyses highlighting the major findings conveyed by the data, and a methodological box on the definition of the indicator and any limitations in data comparability.

More information | OECD Publishing, “Health at a Glance 2011” , 02 november 2011

More information on social determinants of health

OAS receives 1.73 million for Social Protection Network

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 23:00:00 GMT

On Saturday October 22^nd, the government of the United States donated 1.73 million dollars to the Organization of American States (OAS) in order to support the future activities of one of its programmes; the Inter-American Social Protection Network (IASPN). The IASPN’s mandate is to contribute to the reduction of inequalities and social disparities by advancing social protection and by doing so, forwards the realization of the Millennium Development Goals.

The network is mainly used in order to share knowledge, policies and lessons learned in the field of social protection. In the Caribbean, the network’s efforts resulted in the creation of numerous social protection programmes in countries such as Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, St-Lucia and Barbados.

Caribarena News, “OAS Receives 1.73 Million for Social Protection Network”, 22 October 2011

Ground-breaking report on social protection floor launched

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT

October 27th, New York. The Social Protection Floor Advisory Group headed by the former President of Chile, Michele Bachelet, presented a ground-breaking report arguing that a social protection floor could boost economic growth and enhance social cohesion. The European launch of the “Social Protection Floor for a Fair and Inclusive Globalization” report is scheduled on November 8^that the ILO headquarters in Geneva, following the G20 summit where it will be presented.

Read full ILO article | ILO New York - Press release - 27 October 2011

Read the report (now also available in Spanish and Portuguese)

Zimbabwe: Govt mulls pension reforms

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The Government is mulling pension reforms that will see the creation of a consolidated pension fund and abolish the prevailing Pay as You Go pension system that has failed to benefit retired public servants.

Read full article

Bright Madera, allAfrica.com, "Zimbabwe: Govt mulls pension reforms", 11 October 2011.

Bangladesh: Old, alone and without support

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT

According to local research organizations, Bangladesh’s population aged 60 and over is projected to grow up to 17 per cent by 2050. As their numbers grow and supports weaken, elderly Bangladeshis find themselves in situations of precarity. Moreover, the present social protection programme for the elderly, the Old Age Allowance, is unable to respond adequately to the situation. According to a study by HelpAge international, around 76 per cent of elderly people are excluded from government benefits. The largest group of elderly people living in poverty are women of rural areas; they do not receive help either from the government or NGO’s.

Read full article

IRIN Asia, "Bangladesh: Old, alone and without support", 21 October 2011

Hirsch's "Sécu: objectif monde" book review (in French)

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Julien Damon, Professeur associé à Sciences Po (Master d’urbanisme), fait une intéressante critique de l'ouvrage de Martin Hirsch, dans la rubrique "Le Cercle +" du journal Les Echos, en le présentant comme une analyse robuste du socle de protection sociale à faire partager.

Julien Damon, "La Sécu vraiment pour tous", 20 October 2011.

Martin Hirsch, "Sécu: objectif monde", Ed. Stock, 2011.

Gilles de Robien, for a global social protection floor

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT

In his interview on October 13, Gilles de Robien advocates, on behalf of France, the project of extending social protection worldwide, "a development tool and a weapon to combat the crisis". The topic will be included on the agenda of the G20 Summit in Cannes, 3 and 4 November.

Reed full article (in French)

Caritas France, "Gilles de Robien, pour un socle mondial de protection sociale", 14 octobre 2011.

United Nations official tasks nations on social concerns

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT

UN Under Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Mr. Sha Zukang, on Tuesday urged countries to pursue economic policies that take social considerations into account to ensure that the poor, youth, persons with disability and the elderly do not continue to bear the brunt of fiscal austerity measures and unemployment in the uncertain global economy.

Read full article

Afrique en ligne (afriquejet.com), "United Nations official tasks nations on social concerns", Pana 05/10/2011.

Malaysia, EPF wish list: Raise retirement age to 60

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) hopes the Government will consider raising the retirement age to 60 from 55 currently because long retirement period is one of the factors that contribute to inadequacy of retirement savings.

Read full article

Sharidan M. Aali, the star online (thestar.com.my), "EPF wish list: Raise retirement age to 60", 9 October 2011.

Singapore: Retirement planning 'now more vital'

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT

As Singaporeans now live longer, it is increasingly critical that they make decisions which support their retirement and not compromise it, said Minister of State for Manpower and National Development Tan Chuan-Jin yesterday.

Read full article

asiaone.com, "Singapore: Retirement planning 'now more vital'", 10 October 2011.

Argentina: ECLAC praises country's progress in social protection (in Spanish)

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT

La entidad reconoce que “la AUH ha tenido un impacto positivo en la reducción de la indigencia y la pobreza”. Entre los desafíos señala que hay que articular un seguro colectivo de salud para evitar la fragmentación en esta área.

Read full article (in Spanish)

elargentino.com, "Argentina: CEPAL elogió los "múltiples avances" del país en la protección social", 11 Octobre 2011.

Social VAT: a tool to fight unemployment in Tunisia?

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT

In general terms, this tax entitled "social VAT" refers to an increase of some points in the rate of VAT and the channelling of the generated additional revenue towards financing social expenditure.

Read full article (in French)

Hedi Bchir and Taoufik Rajhi, leaders.com.tn, "La TVA sociale: une piste de lutte contre le chômage en Tunisie ?", 13 October 2011.

Lebanese Government launches programme to support poor families (in French)

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Le président de la République Michel Sleiman et le ministre des Affaires sociales Wael Abou Faour ont lancé lundi le programme national pour le soutien des familles pauvres "NPTP", financé par le gouvernement libanais, le ministère italien des Affaires étrangères (bureau de coopération pour le développement), la banque mondiale et l'ambassade du Canada.

Read full article (in French)

Beyrouth, iloubnan.info, NNA, "Lancement au Liban du programme de soutien aux familles pauvres", 17 October 2011.

1280 million Chinese people covered by the health insurance

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The three major social insurance programmes in China currently cover 1280 million people, i.e. 95.5 per cent of the population, announced the Chinese government last Wednesday.

Read full article (in French)

Xinhua press agency (french.china.org.cn), "1,28 milliard de Chinois couverts par l'assurance maladie", 13 October 2011.

PREVENIMSS: a strategic program of preventive health care in Mexico

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT

(Information available in Spanish.)

Este artículo describe a grandes rasgos el Insituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) y la transición demográfica y epidemiológica de la población derechohabiente como contexto de la estrategia de prevención del programa PREVENIMSS, dando un panorama del alcance del mismo, de los resultados de las medidas educativas de prevención, nutrición, detección y cuidados.

P. Morales Sánchez, "La Seguridad Social en México, Políticas de Prevención en Salud" en Revista REI, número 8, 1er semestre 2011, págs. 15-20.

The Bolivian New Pension Law: article

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT

(Information available in Spanish.)

En este artículo se exponen los principales cambios de la nueva Ley de Pensiones, los cuales implican otorgar pensiones más dignas, incluir mayores beneficios y establecer un modelo nuevo de seguridad social.

E. Balderrama. "La Nueva Ley de Pensiones en Bolivia: Inclusión de una visión netamente social y de mejoramiento de pensiones" en Revista REI, número 8, 1er semestre 2011, págs. 12-14.

Building a social protection floor in Mozambique

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Mozambique is a low-income country with high levels of poverty, informal and rural labour. Seriously affected by HIV and AIDS and exposed to climatic shocks and crises such as floods and droughts, the country’s institutions only have a limited capacity to deal with such shocks and offer social protection for the poor and vulnerable population. To address these challenges, an ILO technical cooperation project financed by Portugal works, together with other UN Agencies, to improve public policies and strengthen institutional capacity for the extension of social protection in Mozambique and other Portuguese-speaking African countries.

Read the full article.

ILO Online, 6 October 2011.

Informal work and social security in Argentina (in Spanish)

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT

"Lejos de la visión que comúnmente sostiene que la falta de registración es una suerte de convenio entre empleador y trabajador para obtener beneficios mutuos en detrimentos del fisco, la evidencia empírica muestra que los trabajadores no registrados, no sólo no acceden a la protección social, sino que también se encuentran más vulnerables frente a los ciclos de la economía y perciben remuneraciones menores que sus pares registrados" afirman los autores de este artículo en el que se analizan las diferentes causas que generan la informalidad laboral de los asalariados, principal problemática actual del mercado de trabajo argentino.

Se plantean asimismo los impactos en términos de desfinanciamiento del sistema de Seguridad Social.

A. Lieutier, G. Ludmer: "Informalidad laboral en la Argentina" en Revista REI, número 8, 1er semestre 2011, págs. 21-25.

A design and implementation analysis of the Argentinean Universal Child Allowance (in Spanish)

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT

En este artículo se analiza el diseño e implementación de la Asignación Universal por Hijo para Protección Social (AUH), describiendo para ello las etapas que comúnmente siguen las políticas públicas. Se analiza luego el grado de seguimiento de dichas etapas y se destaca la importancia de la implementación de este tipo de políticas públicas para hacer frente a futuras transiciones demográficas y otras posibles crisis económicas que ponen en riesgo el financiamiento del Sistema. Finalmente, el autor hace una pequeña reflexión respecto de los fondos de financiamiento y afirma que "esta política pública aspira contar, en un futuro, con una población económicamente activa capaz de desarrollar fuentes de empleo suficientes para soportar un Sistema de Seguridad Social que cada vez resulta más difícil de sostener con respecto a la relación de Activos-Pasivos (Aportantes – Beneficiarios de las prestaciones)".

M.G. Liotta, "Asignación Universal por Hijo: Análisis de una política pública Equitativa e Inclusiva" in Revista REI, número 8, 1er semestre 2011, pp. 26-29.

Later Life; quality care matters

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 23:00:00 GMT

January 25^th, will be held the third annual Later Life conference, on the importance of quality care at the Barbican Centre in London. Delegates will have the opportunity to hear from an outstanding programme of high-profile speakers about the latest developments in health and social care for UK’s ageing population.

For more information

EU/ILO Workshop: Review and Valuation of the Employment and Social Protection Studies in Honduras

Sun, 04 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The Workshop on the "Review and Valuation of the Employment and Social Protection Studies in Honduras" took place in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, on September 5 and 6 of 2011 and was followed by the “Training workshop on the Diagnostic Tools for Social Protection Extension and Employment Promotion” on September 7 to 9 of 2011.

The objectives of the SPER are to identify the scope of social protection in terms of risks and needs covered as well as existing gaps; determine the expenses and their financing structures; and analyze the effectiveness of the performance of existing social protection schemes regarding their coverage. Both studies were achieved in the framework of the UE/ILO “Improving social protection and promoting employment” project. The findings will form the basis for the drafting of a proposal for a national policy integrating the goals of promoting employment and extending social protection. This drafting will take place in the subsequent stages of the project in 2012.

For more information

October 2011: EU/ILO Workshop: Social Protection Expenditure and Performance Review (SPER) and impact study on support funds for the promotion of employment in Burkina Faso

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT

On October 6 and 7, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, a technical workshop was held. The aim of the workshop was the review and validation of the Social Protection Expenditure and Performance Review (SPER) and the impact study on support funds for the promotion of employment in Burkina Faso. The SPER and the impact study were conducted in the framework of the EU-ILO project “Improving social protection and promoting employment.”

The objectives of the SPER are to identify the scope of social protection in terms of risks and needs covered as well as existing gaps; determine the expenses and their financing structures; and analyze the effectiveness of the performance of existing social protection schemes regarding their coverage. Therefore, the SPER provides a holistic analysis of the wider social protection system in Burkina Faso, complementing previous research by the World Bank and UNICEF that mainly focus on the country's social safety nets.

For more information

The IHSP of McGill University develops a poverty reduction database

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The Institute for Health and Social Policy (IHSP) of McGill University (Montreal, Canada) is in the process of finalizing a unique database aiming at helping individuals and families to exit poverty. The database consists of five components: minimum wage policies, family allowances, unemployment insurance and assistance programs, old-age pensions, and disability and work injury benefits.

More information

Inequities in health care access in the European region

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The objective of providing universal health coverage is high on the agenda of countries in the broader European region, yet vulnerable groups often do not have full access to health services, according to Dr. Xenia Scheil-Adlung, Health Policy Coordinator at the ILO’s Social Security Department. ILO Online spoke to Dr. Scheil-Adlung, who has published a study looking at the situation in the region, which includes the European Union, the Commonwealth of Independent States and Central and Eastern Europe.

Read the full article.

ILO Online, 6 October 2011.

G20 Summit at Cannes: priorities, challenges and actions

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT

In view of the forthcoming G20 Summit in Cannes, Ambassador Jean-David Levitte, Diplomatic Advisor and Sherpa of the President of France, met with ILO constituents and staff in Geneva to share some of the priorities ahead of the summit and inform on preparative work done so far. In his view, France places great importance on opening the G20 to the entire international community, as the Group cannot and must not become a closed and exclusive club. Even though G20 Member States account for 85 per cent of world GDP, opening up to other countries is a prerequisite for the Group’s legitimacy.

Since 2008, previous G20 Summits and preparatory meetings focused on the crisis, its aftermath and policy measures to be taken in recovery. Throughout the 2008-2010 recession and recovery period, G20 efforts concentrated mainly on restoring the financial system, finding appropriate measures to mitigate the crisis’ effects, reforming the international financial institutions and developing new models of growth. Recent economic developments in developed, emerging and developing countries show that these efforts must continue. The G20 Summit in Cannes will deal with the crisis affecting not only the eurozone and the United States, but also emerging and developing countries. In the immediate future, some countries will have to deal with measures to support the economy, others with the consolidation of their public finances, others still with shifting their economic model towards domestic consumption. At Cannes, France will urge the Leaders to adopt a plan of action for growth drawing on concrete economic policy measures taken by the United States, China and several countries in the eurozone, Japan, the United Kingdom and Brazil.

Jobs and unemployment remain a core concern among the G20 countries. ILO’s work in this respect – also through the Social Protection Floor Advisory Group led by Michele Bachelet – has been fully taken into account by the G20 in 2011 and will continue to remain on the agenda in the coming years. The G20 Presidency has facilitated the organization of a “Labour 20” to be held in parallel with the “Business 20” in Cannes.

Read the full article

ILO. 5 October 2011

Zimbabwe and Donors Launch Program to Relieve Vulnerable Children

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:06:45 GMT

The Zimbabwean government and international partners including the United Nations Childrens Fund have launched a program to meet the basic needs of orphans and other categories of vulnerable children, reaching out to some 80,000 households.

Read full article

Sandra Nyaira, Tatenda Gumbo & Sithandekile Mhlanga. Voice of America, 6 October 2011.

Informe de la Caja del Seguro Social, Costa Rica (Only in Spanish)

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:31:23 GMT

El Informe de la Caja de Seguro Social de Costa Rica contiene 81 recomendaciones del equipo de especialistas nacionales nombrado para el análisis de la situación del seguro de salud, entre las cuales se destacan: la renovación de los mandos superiores en no más de 18 meses, la reducción del nivel central, la rendición obligatoria de cuentas a las jefaturas, la mejora del desempeño de las Juntas de Salud, y la participación de la población usuaria para salir de la crisis.

Lea el artículo completo

elpais.cr, 4 de octubre de 2011

DSWD recognizes the role of statistics in social protection programs, Philippines

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Secretary Corazon Dinky Soliman of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recognizes the value and role of statistics in implementing effective and efficient social protection programs geared towards uplifting the lives of the Filipino people especially the poor and other vulnerable members of society.

Read the full article

Neil D. Lopido, Philippine Information Agency, 5 October 2011

The 6th ASEAN GO-NGO Forum on the establishment of Social Protection Floors (SPF) within ASEAN just happened!

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT

During an intensive ICSW Preparatory workshop held on September 18-19 in Bangkok, Thailand, Representatives from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam participated in a one day training on the Social Protection Floor organized by the ILO to prepare for the GO-NGO Forum on the establishment of Social Protection Floors within ASEAN.

The material used during the training is now available online!

Pour une protection sociale mondiale

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

(Only available in French)

Faut-il sacrifier la protection sociale sur l’autel de la crise ? Ce que nous proposons aux dirigeants du G20, c’est l’inverse.

Et le rapport Bachelet, élaboré sous l’égide des organisations de l’ONU par une commission présidée par l’ancienne présidente du Chili, le démontre : la protection sociale est d’autant plus nécessaire parce qu’il y a crise et parce qu’elle contribue à prévenir la répétition des crises et ses tragédies humaines. Il ne s’agit pas d’une pétition de principe ou d’une bluette pour doux rêveurs. Mais d’une position étayée par une analyse économique, sociale et politique et partagée par des personnalités exerçant ou ayant exercé des responsabilités en Chine, en Inde, en Afrique du Sud, en Europe et dans les organisations internationales, confirmée par le travail des ONG sur le terrain.

Lisez l'article

Liberation, 26 septembre 2011, par Martin Hirsch, Membre du group consultatif, Pierre Salignon, Directeur général de Médecins du monde, Jean-Louis Vielajus, Président de Coordination SUD (solidarité urgence développement) 2011.

G20 Labour and Employment Ministers' Conclusions- Paris, 26-27 September 2011

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

G20 Labour and Employment Ministers recommended the strengthening of social protection by establishing social protection floors adapted to each country. Accordingly, they agreed on the following recommendations:

Develop nationally defined social protection floors with a view to achieving strong, sustaibable and balanced economic growth and social cohesion;
Encourage international organisations to coordinate their actions more effectively to help countries develop nationally determined social protection floors;
Ensure effective financing for the implementation of nationally determined social protection floors.

See the G20 Labour and Employment Ministers' Conclusions.

Aged need more social security, VietNam

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Vietnam’s 2009 elderly (above 60 years old) population (8.7%) has increased in 2010 to 9.4%, above predicted numbers, and now expected to reach 10.1% this year. Although it is perceived as an improvement of quality of life, the country is not prepared to deal with the arising challenges it faces. Acknowledgment of the role of policies on this aging population is put forth.

Read full article

vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn, “Aged need more social security”, 21 September 2011.

The G20 Employment and Labour Ministers are meeting in Paris on 26-27 September 2011

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The G20 Employment and Labour Ministers met in Paris on 26-27 September 2011 to assess the evolving employment situation in the context of the global financial crisis. Social protection and, particularly, the implementation of national social protection floors are at the heart of the discussions.

See the Joint Statement for G20 Labour Ministerial by ILO Director-General Juan Somavia and OECD Secretary-General, Angel Gurría
See the Policy Note ILO-OECD: “Towards national social protection floors”
See the G20 Labour and Employment Ministers’ Conclusions

The Sixth ASEAN GO-NGO Forum for Social Welfare and Development supports the establishment of a social protection floor on social welfare and development, 20 September 2011 in Bangkok, Thailand

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The participants of the 6th ASEAN GO-NGO Forum for Social Welfare and Development held on 20 September 2011 in Bangkok, Thailand, agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation amongst ASEAN Member States towards universal coverage of social protection to the peoples of ASEAN.

Read the Forum Recommendations.

Experts meeting on Pension Reform in Central and Eastern Europe. Warsaw, Poland, 6-7 October 2011

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Pension reform is high on the national agenda in many countries. Currently these problems are tackled at the national level. Recently, the European Union has taken an initiative to more deeply involve in the coordination of pension policy through inviting opinions based on the Green Paper published in 2010 and a forthcoming White Paper. In the on-going process of the regional convergence in Europe, there is a strong need for addressing these common problems at the sub-regional level through coordinated approach based on the exchange of best practices and lessons learned in these countries.To support the process to develop policy and strategy for pension reform, the ILO, in cooperation with the Institute of Labour and Social Studies of Poland, will organize an Experts meeting on Pension Reform in Central and Eastern Europe in Warsaw in the period of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU.

See the concept note
See the agenda of the meeting

Social Europe guide. Volume 1 - Employment Policy

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The European Commission, Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion has just published the Social Europe guide. This Guide is a bi-annual publication aimed at providing to an interested but not necessarily specialised audience a concise overview of specific areas of EU policy in the field of employment, social affairs and inclusion. It illustrates the key issues and challenges, explains policy actions and instruments at EU level and provides examples of best practices from EU Member States. It also presents views on the subject from the Council Presidency and the European Parliament. This first volume in this series focuses on the biggest challenges the EU is facing in the area of employment.

For further information, and to download the report, please visit the European Commission, Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion.

Innovative responses to the social impact of the crisis

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

A ministerial conference of the Polish Presidency, to be held in Wrocław (Poland) on 26 September 2011, will discuss responses to the social impact of the crisis and how to intensify the support to innovation within social policies.

The conference will:

discuss the impact of the crisis on the European societies and on social protection schemes, and the need to intensify innovation for ensuring high level of protection to citizens.;
promote social experimentation as a key tool to improve the quality and the cost-effectiveness of social policies, and provide an overview of the best knowledge and expertise existing at EU level in this field.

For further information, please visit the European Commission Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion web site.

France: What is the redistributive effect of family benefits?

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Redistribution of family support and housing benefits were analyzed in a study by the Direction de la recherche, des études, de l’évaluation et des statistiques (DREES) published in July 2011. This study integrates the direct taxation and vertical redistribution (i.e. from a wealthy family to a poor family of the same composition) and horizontal redistribution (i.e. a family with no children to a family with children).

Read full article (in French)

weka.fr / News, "What EST The redistributive effect of aid to the family?", August 22, 2011.

India: National responses to HIV/ AIDS need to adapt comprehensive social protection strategies

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Although social protection mechanisms in India have typically focused on people living below the poverty line (BPL), people living with HIV (PLHIV) have been identified as potentially requiring protection irrespective of their BPL status. The social protection mechanism for PLHIV helps dealing with the social and economic impacts from the epidemic.

Read full article

TruthDive, “National responses to HIV/ AIDS need to adapt comprehensive social protection strategies”, 24 August 2011.

Seminario Internacional de Seguridad Social: "Protección social, inclusión y equidad", Argentina

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

El Observatorio de la Seguridad Social de ANSES, llevará a cabo el Seminario Internacional de Seguridad Social que reunirá a funcionarios y representantes de la materia de todo el mundo. El objetivo del seminario "Protección social, inclusión y equidad" es generar un ámbito plural para la discusión de las políticas relacionadas con la seguridad social en el mundo, compartir realidades, avances y desafíos en el área.

Leer el artículo

Genteba.com.ar, “Seminario Internacional de Seguridad Social: "Protección social, inclusión y equidad”, 29 de Agosto 2011.

EAC Ministers to Discuss Regional Framework, East Africa

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

From July 6th to 8th the East African Community (EAC) partner states met in Nairobi, Kenya in order to discuss the Draft EAC Social Development Framework. The main concerns for the partnership are health, medical services and education.

Other priority areas and issues have been identified along with the desire to develop regional monitoring evaluation mechanisms and an EAC protocol on gender equality. The development of the new framework is a recognition of the shared common interests, ideals, aspirations and challenges faced by the EAC as a whole.

Read full article

Eric Kabeera, allAfrica.com, “EAC Ministers to Discuss Regional Framework”, 3 July 2011.

Only 5% of workers are covered by social security in Africa

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Very few people in Africa are covered by social security. In Africa, 5% of workers, and only the formal sector have this coverage. Lack of institution or weakness of institutions already in place to promote this social protection has been noted, and it affects children, the elderly workers and unemployed graduates. Therefore, advocacy to governments are expected to take place in order to change the situation.

Read the article (in French)

afriquinfos.com, "Seulement 5% de travailleurs sont couverts par la sécurité sociale en Afrique", July 14, 2011.

L'Angola envisage d'augmenter les allocations familiales

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

A partir de juillet 2011, le gouvernement angolais, dans le cadre de son engagement à améliorer le niveau de vie et le bien-être du peuple angolais, prévoit augmenter les allocations familiales, en particulier celles destinées aux femmes et aux enfants. Ces nouvelles mesures augmenteraient les subventions versées aux bénéficiaires de l'ordre de 100 pour cent à plus de 500 pour cent.

Les secteurs concernés par ces allocations vont de l'élévage, aux allocations familiales en passant par les funérailles et les congés de maternité.

Lisez l'article

Afriquinfos, «L'Angola envisage d'augmenter les allocations familiales », 6 juillet 2011.

NSSF monthly collections rise to Sh40 Billion, Uganda

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Monthly savings by members of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) have grown substantially from Shs28 billion to Shs40 billion, according to Mr Richard Byarugaba, the fund's managing director.

These new resources strengthen the Fund's investments arm furthering its investments. In return, the Fund earns interest income from the investments which is passed on to its members as a return on their savings.

The Fund launched a call centre, SMS service and internet platform which can be used by members to monitor their savings without visiting its offices.

Read full article

Walter Wafula, allAfrica.com, “NSSF monthly collections rise to Sh40 Billion, Uganda”, 7 July 2011.

Cabinet okays pension-revamp bills, Czech Republic

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

On June 28th, Czech Republic’s government approved bills introducing modifications of the pension system and of the current private pension schemes. The Czech pension system rests on a “pillar” construction; in the bill a new voluntary pillar has been established in which beneficiaries may transfer percentage points from their social insurance to private pension funds.

This project has met with opposition from the trade union and employers who disagree with the second pillar and the proposed transfers. The new bill must still get the approval from the two houses of parliament and be signed by the president before being implemented.

Read full article

Prague Daily Monitor, “Cabinet okays pension-revamp bills”, 29 June 2011.

América Latina dió demostración de fortaleza frente a la crisis

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

América Latina dió una “demostración de fortaleza” frente a la crisis económica internacional que permitió una rápida recuperación de los niveles de empleo, dijo la Directora Regional de la Organización Internacional del Trabajo (OIT), Elizabeth Tinoco, al intervenir en un seminario del G20 que se realiza esta semana en Argentina.

Leer el artículo

Fuente: oitchile.cl (01.07.2011)

Colombia quedó ad portas de cobertura universal en salud

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

El Ministro de la Protección Social, Mauricio Santamaría, afirmó que Colombia está ad portas de alcanzar la cobertura universal en salud al pasar del 91 al 97 por ciento en el último año.

Los desafíos que se plantea el Ministerio de la Protección Social son el mejoramiento de la calidad y la equidad en el acceso a los servicios de salud, la actualización integral de los planes de beneficios de los regímenes contributivo y subsidiado y la unificación de estos planes de beneficios de manera a homogeneizar al acceso a los servicios de salud.

Leer el artículo

Source elespectador.com (07.08.2011)

World ministers to discuss work safety at Istanbul congress mid-September

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The 19th World Congress on Safety and Health at Work will be held in Turkey and will serve as an important step for an initiative regarding work safety, as a required topic, not only after accidents occur. Guest speakers, papers and technical sessions will be involved and will show progress made on the Seoul Declaration. Aside the congress, a fair will run parallel in which 250 companies related to world safety will display their products.

The 19th World Congress on Safety and Health at Work, which will be held in Turkey, will serve as an important step for an initiative regarding work safety, a senior Turkish official has said.

Read full article

Ali Aslan Kiliç, sundayszaman.com, “World ministers to discuss work safety at Istanbul congress mid-September”, 11 July 2011.

La loi sur l'assurance sociale prend effet, Chine

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

In China, the first social insurance law came into effect. Perceived as an important social evolution, the new law implements a social security system for all Chinese citizens that includes benefits for health care, maternity, retirement, work related injuries and unemployment.

The Law is composed of 46 measures and regulations in order to easy its implementation in the next three years. Furthermore, it allows for a better protection of migrant workers. The law also helps to eradicate certain problems such as the misuses of funding.

Read full article

Le Quotidien du Peuple en ligne, «Chine: la loi sur l’assurance sociale prend effet », 4 July 2011.

Salarios bajos sustentan el sistema de pensiones

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

7th International Microinsurance Conference, 8-10 November, Rio de Janeiro

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 23:00:00 GMT

The 7th International Microinsurance Conference will be held in Rio, Brazil from 8th to 10th November 2011. The Conference is hosted by the Munich Re Foundation and the Microinsurance Network.

Topics include: economic analysis of microinsurance markets, innovative and viable client-centred microinsurance solutions, distribution, technology and protecting against natural disasters. This will be an opportunity for experts to discuss about the challenges and opportunities for delivering access to insurance to the low-income sector.

For further information, please visit the Munich Re Foundation website. An information sheet is available in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish.

Alto costo de medicamentos amenaza seguridad social de algunos paises

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Social Security Commission launches mobile service, Namibia

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Saturday September 10^th, Namibia’s Social Security Commission (SSC) launched its first mobile bus called “SSC on Wheels”. The SSC has become a lifeline for the lower income groups in the Namibian society primarly by the financial assistance given to the poorest populations. Other services offered include: leave, sick, death, disability and retirement benefits.

The SSC bus will provide services, such as registering employers and employees, accepting contributions, issuing social cards and employer certificates of registration, general customer service and public education to populations living in remote areas where there are no commission offices.

Read full article

Fifi Rhodes, New Era, “Social Security Commission launches mobile service”, 8 August 2011.

National Health Insurance Process Unfolds, South Africa

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Over the week of August 8^th to 14^th, South Africa’s government released the awaited Green Paper on the National Health Insurance system. The new plan seeks to provide better health care for all given that the country's public health system does not meet the needs of South African citizens. Some identified problems are due to drug shortages and bad attitudes of health care workers which lead beneficiaries to the private health sector.

The new National Health Insurance plan aims at increasing coverage while ensuring that more people, particularly the most vulnerable, can access quality services at affordable costs. Financing for the first year of the NHI system will come from Treasury. The conditional grant will be put in what is called the NHI Fund. From then on, a section of the population will be required to make a direct contribution towards the Fund.

The Green Paper will be followed by consultations with various stakeholders and the public over the next three months before the publication of the White Paper and the following legislative process.

Read full article

Khopotso Bodibe, allAfrica.com, “South Africa: National Health Insurance process unfolds”, 13 August 2011.

La politique familiale en chiffres, France

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

PhilHealth to give free hospitalization to CCT beneficiaries, Philippines

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) will now be providing free hospitalization services to the 5.2 million poorest families in the country, under the project called "No Balance Billing". Free hospitalization services will be provided to already qualified CCT beneficiaries, starting late August or early September.

Beneficiaries of the new program will be able to undergo any of the 22 most common medical and surgical procedures identified by PhilHealth in public or private hospitals that accept government payment without having to provide out-of-pocket payments. The new project will also be providing a cap of P900 for outpatient services.

Read full article

Kimberly Jane Tan, GMA News, “PhilHealth to give free hospitalization to CCT beneficiaries”, 10 August 2011.

Istanbul gears up for Safety World Congress XIX

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

From September 11-15, 2011, nearly 3,000 policy-makers, experts, industry, and labor leaders from more than 100 countries are set to convene in Istanbul, Turkey, for the 19th World Congress on Safety and Health at Work.

Under the theme “Building a global culture of prevention for healthy and safe future”, the ILO and ISSA in cooperation with the Turkish Ministry of Labor and Social Security and the congress participants will focus on the importance of building and maintaining a preventive safety and health culture by discussing comprehensive and proactive approaches to safety and health at work; the introduction and implementation of a system approach for occupational safety and health at the national level; developing mutually beneficial partnerships and innovation for occupational safety and health through social dialogue; new challenges in a changing world of work and the global economy.

The Seoul Declaration on Safety and Health at Work, adopted at the XVIII World Congress in 2008, states the right to a safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental human right.

Read full article

Ohsonline.com, “Istanbul Gears Up for Safety World Congress XIX”, 19 august 2011.

Health ministry developing National Health Insurance System, Trinidad and Tobago

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

August 10^th, Health minister, Dr Fuad Khan, announced, on the occasion of the Trinidad and Tobago’s Insurance and Health Summit, that the Ministry of Health was developing a National Health Insurance System. The plan will include the treatment of mental health conditions as well as sexually transmitted infections since these are usually excluded from private health insurance.

As a part of the current Health Sector Reform Programme, the National Health Insurance System proposal would function on a private/public partnership in order to enhance access to treatment of persons with HIV/AIDS. Another part of this new plan is the furthering of the legislation of private insurers, providing protection against prejudicial conditions that are particularly detrimental to people living with the disease. For Chair and Director of Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) Coordinating Unit, Juliette Bynoe-Sutherland, the hope is that, from an insurance perspective, HIV/AIDS will be treated as any other chronic illness.

Some of the difficulties that face this new plan are the porosity of the data made available to the insurance industry to enable an active review and a pricing mechanism to be able to offer accurate coverage. Once the data will be available, the pricing process can start and the plan will then be able to evolve.

Read full article

Janelle Desouza, Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday, "Health ministry developing Nat’l Health Insurance System", August 11th.

L'Afrique du Sud lance son projet national d'assurance maladie

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The precariat: The New Dangerous Class

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Lauching of the book "The precariat: The New Dangerous Class" by Guy Standing, at Palais des Nations, Geneva, at 12:30 on Monday September 26th 2011, organized by UNSRID. The book claims that a new class, the precariat, characterized by common precarious work experiences, is emerging due to neoliberal and institutional policies. Their lack of organization would render them sensible to producing societal instability. The book supports that re-engaging the precariat into civil society would benefit society, in which an unconditional state-provided basic income for everyone would be coupled by earned incomes, by addressing labour insecurity and civic disengagement.

A link to the talk poster

Designing and Implementing Social Transfer Programmes: 23 October - 5 November 2011, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT

This training provides participants with an in-depth understanding of the conceptual and practical issues involved in the development of social transfer programmes. The course is aimed to building the capacity of policy-makers, government officials and practitioners around the world. Participants will acquire tools required for the appropriate identification and successful design and implementation of these programmes. EPRI and HelpAge International are offering this course together with Maastricht University, in partnership with the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), UK. A course for policy-makers, government officials and practitioners around the world.

For more information, see the 2011 brochure

The 2010 brochure (as an indicator of training content)

Visit the website www.epri.org.za

World Bank Core Course on Pensions, Washington, DC

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 23:00:00 GMT

This course aims to provide policymakers, pension fund administrators and other key stakeholders involved in pension policy and implementation with an overview of the latest thinking about pension design and management, analytical tools for formulation of reform options, and a review of lessons from recent pension reforms around the world. The program combines in-depth analysis of pension reform issues with country case studies and country reform exercises.

The list of speakers includes recognized experts in Pensions from the World Bank as well as from other international organizations, academics, private consultants and policy makers from around the World.

The costs of tuition and fees will be US$2,500 per participant from World Bank client counterpart countries, and US$3,500 for participants from international organizations, donor agencies and others.

Deadline for registration is September 30, 2011. You may register online, by email or fax by submitting the application form. Email registration: swarlop@worldbank.org and please copy mdorfman@worldbank.org or fax registration: (+1) 202-522-3252.

Global South-South Development Expo 2011, Italy

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 23:00:00 GMT

The Global South-South Development Expo is an Expo from the South and for the South that will take place in Rome, Italy. It showcases successful Southern-grown development solutions to address the need to meet Millennium Development Goals. It is designed as a concrete response to the strong commitment made by the Secretary-General and the UNDP Administrator to help the global South realize its shared aspirations for achieving sustainable and equitable development through the sharing and transfer of Southern-grown development solutions, with the support of the donor community and the multilateral system through innovative triangular and public-private partnership arrangements. It also constitutes one of the three global and United Nations system-wide South-South support platforms of UNDPS's Special Unit for South South Cooperation.

For more information, please consult this link.

AISS Regional Social Security Forum for Africa 2011, Tanzania

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 23:00:00 GMT

The ISSA Regional Social Security Forum for Africa will take place in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania, from 5 to 7 December 2011, at the invitation of the National Social Security Fund. This Forum will provide a key platform for the sharing of information and discussion of the most important regional social security trends and priority issues in Africa - namely administrative and operational efficiency, extension of social security coverage, proactive and preventive approaches in social security and adequacy and quality of social security benefits and services.

For more information, click here

WorldPensionSummit 2011, The Netherlands

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 23:00:00 GMT

The WorldPensionSummit is a platform organized 'for and by' pension professionals and industry leaders, exchanging knowledge and sharing the latest insights of the 'innovation agenda' in pensions.

This year, the WorldPensionSummit cross roads 2011 will take place from 2 to 4 November in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The 2011 program will focus on new strategic developments and innovations, with cases and new insights from representatives from all continents. Topics include: insights of 'DB - DC the hybrid solutions', Essential steps in Financial Literacy, Next generation Fiduciary Management, New propositions in Healthcare & Pensions, Governance, Risk Management, Social Media in Pensions, Pension Administration, Shifts in Social Security Policies, etc.

For further information, please consult this link

Master of Science (MSc) in Social Protection Financing

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The Master of Science (MSc) in Social Protection Financing at the University of Mauritius, offered in partnership with the International Labour Office, Maastricht University and other international organizations is a one-year degree programme, which began in 2010, designed to equip social security managers and financial specialists to meet the challenges of financing national social protection.

This year's sessions start in August 2011. The programme accepts a maximum of 40 students, working as social security managers and financial specialists. Priority for admission will be given to serving officials from African social security institutions and ministries (managers, actuaries, financial and policy analysts), and from organizations representing African workers and employers. Applicants from other parts of the world and with other professional and institutional backgrounds will be considered if space permits.

Visit the University of Mauritius Web site for additional information.

WHO Global conference on social determinants of health 2011

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT

From 19-21 October 2011, the World Health Organization (WHO) is convening a global conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to build support for the implementation of action on social determinants of health. The conference is being organized in response to a 2009 World Health Assembly Resolution and will be hosted by the Government of Brazil.

The event will provide a global platform for dialogue on how the recommendations in the final report of the WHO Commission on Social Determinants of Health (2008) could be taken forward and participants will discuss policies and strategies aiming to reduce health inequities. The conference's outcome document, the Rio Declaration, will help to build high-level international backing for the further development and implementation of national policies to address social determinants of health.

These determinants are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age; however, they are shaped by the distribution of money, power and resources at global, national and local levels, which are themselves influenced by policy choices.

The conference will be attended by ministers of health, foreign affairs, the environment and other sectors; representatives of international agencies, philanthropic institutions and civil society organizations; leading academics and technical experts; and representatives from the private sector.

For more information, click here

UNICEF supports the Government of Tanzania to protect children

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 22:00:00 GMT

As a part of an effort to strengthen systems to keep children safe and strengthen families in the Sub-Saharan region, UNICEF is supporting the Government of Tanzania to translate the provisions of the Law of the Child Act (2009) into practice through the development of rules and regulations that will ensure that social workers, police, educators, and local government authorities, among others, are clear on their roles and responsibilities in protecting children from abuse, violence and exploitation.

In sub-Saharan Africa, approximately 50 million children have lost one or both parents, almost 15 million of them due to HIV/ Aids. The region has the highest rates of child labour in the world, with more than one-third of children aged 5-14 years being engaged in the hardest forms of labour. Widespread poverty, conflicts, HIV/AIDS, climate change, and domestic violence are forcing more and more children to leave their homes to live and work on the streets, exposing them to harm and exploitation.

A Multi-Sector Task Force, under the coordination of the Ministry of Community Development, Gender and Children, is advancing the development of a national response plan to prevent and respond to violence against children. In selected Tanzanian districts, with the support of UNICEF, police, teachers, health workers, magistrates and social welfare officers are already working as a team to respond to child abuse cases. These local child protection systems, backed by the Department of Social Welfare and the Prime Minister’s Office, Regional and Local Governments are ensuring rapid and effective response to children at risk.

Tanzania moving towards children protection system. The Citizen. 4 July 2011. For more information, click here.

Uruguay ratified the Ibero-American Multilateral Agreement on Social Security

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 22:00:00 GMT

On 26 July, Uruguay ratified the Ibero-American Multilateral Convention on Social Security that is intended to ensure social protection and pensions to migrants in any country in Ibero-America. Currently applicable between Bolivia, Brazil, Spain and Ecuador, this Convention is intended to include 11 other Latin American countries, benefiting more than 6 million migrants – however, the area of protection covered should be extended to the population of 22 Latin American countries, i.e. some 600 million people.

Uruguay's arrival represents a "crucial" step to the commitments to protect the migrant population, according to the Secretary General of the Ibero-American Social Security Organization (OISS), Adolfo Jimenez. This initiative protects the equal treatment and the complete periods of contribution, favours the incorporation of labour law, and opens the possibility of return of migrants with no loss of rights.

The first Ibero-American Multilateral Agreement on Social Security was adopted at the XVII Summit of Heads of State and Governments, held in Santiago de Chile in November 2007. On the one hand, this initiative is "an answer" to a "globalized world that threatens social security systems" and, on the other hand, it also stands as "the first major common instrument of the Ibero-American community of nations," according to the Ibero-American General Secretary, Enrique Iglesias.

Read the full article (in Spanish).

Source: noticias.terra.com.arg, 26/6/2011

The Education International 6th World Congress adopted a Resolution on Social Protection Education. Cape Town, 18-26 July 2011

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 22:00:00 GMT

From 22 to 26 July 2011, the 6th World Congress of the Education International, “Building the Future through Quality Education”, was held in Cape Town, South Africa.

Education International (EI) is the world’s largest federation of about 400 education unions, representing 30 million education employees in 107 countries and territories around the world. It promotes that publicly-funded, high-quality education should be available to everyone. It advocates for equity in society and combats racism, xenophobia, and other forms of prejudice, while representing the interests of teachers and other education employees on the international level.

During its 6th World Congress, EI members met to strengthen bonds of solidarity among teachers and education workers. Delegates considered major contemporary issues affecting their organizations, the international teacher trade union movement, and the ongoing struggle to achieve quality public education for all.

In conclusion, several resolutions were adopted concerning education and employment, the economic crisis, public education, teacher migration, and vocational education among others. A resolution on Social Protection Education was submitted by Unions of four different regions, promoted by the Education and Solidarity Network and adopted unanimously. It urges countries to implement policies for the creation of Social Protection Floors, provide quality social protection for education professionals, and include social protection education in education and training systems to promote a social protection culture.

Governement to issue electronic ID cards for Filipino workers

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 22:00:00 GMT

In a bid to facilitate transactions and protect the agency from fraud, the Social Security institution of the Philippines will start issuing free chip-enabled identification cards to its members before the end of the month. See the article.

By Pia Rufino, Asia Pacific FutureGOV. 25/07/11

Only 5% of workers are covered by social security in Africa

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 22:00:00 GMT

(Only available in French)

Un continent déjà où les taux de travail décent n'atteignent pas les 10% selon le Bureau international du travail (BIT), 5% de travailleurs seulement et essentiellement du secteur formel sont couverts par la sécurité sociale en Afrique, a relevé une conférence sur la protection sociale en Afrique centrale tenue mardi et mercredi à Yaoundé. See the article.

Afriquinfo. 26/7/2011.

The IMF supports the extension of Social Protection in Mozambique

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Between March and June 2011, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed reports summarizing discussions with the government of Mozambique and analyzing the national situation and future economic, financial and social challenges. The reports highlight that economic growth has been disproportionate in Mozambique, not benefiting the poor properly. The IMF mission advised authorities to create a fiscal space, for example by redirecting public revenue from national resource exploitation, for the design of a sustainable social protection system, based on the priorities taken by national authorities in the Action Plan for Reducing Poverty (PARP) 2011-2014. It also stressed that strategic decisions to scale up social protection will be taken by the Council of Ministers in July 2011 based on an Expansion Plan of Basic Social Protection Programs. The formulation of this plan was carried out with the support of the United Nations, the ILO, the World Bank, the IMF and bilateral partners. The ILO led the costing exercise, based on the fiscal space available and consistent with the macroeconomic framework.

Another important point will be the reform of the National Social Security Institute (INSS), particularly in relation to strengthening its finance and organization, through the implementation of a new investment strategy or the reform of the information technology and actuarial system, for which the INSS will rely on the ILO's technical assistance.

See the documents (note that the three documents are together in one file):

Staff Report for the 2011 Article IV Consultation, Second Review Under the Policy Support Instrument, and Request for Modification of Assessment Criteria, prepared by the African Department (in consultation with other departments);
Joint World Bank/IMF Debt Sustainability Analysis - Update, prepared by the staffs of the International Monetary Fund andthe International Development Association;
2011 Article IV Consultation, Second Review Under the Policy Support Instrument and Request for Modification of Assessment Criteria Informational Annex, prepared by the African Department (in consultation with other departments)
Public Information Notice: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2011 Article IV Consultation with Mozambique

See the PowerPoint presentation by the Resident Representative of the IMF in Mozambique, Victor Lledó, on The IMF and the Social Security System in Mozambique.

For related information see the CIPS website

UN-DESA - Global Social Crisis: Report 2011

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Global unemployment rose sharply from 178 million persons in 2007 to 205 million in 2009, triggering an increase in vulnerability – especially in developing countries without comprehensive social protection. It is further estimated that between 47 million and 84 million more people fell into, or remained trapped in, extreme poverty because of the global crisis. The Report on the World Social Situation: the Global Social Crisis published by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations explores the ongoing adverse social consequences of the crisis and stresses the urgency that Governments take into account the likely social implications of their economic policies to ensure faster growth and socio-economic progress.

Download the Report

Young workers make up a third of the informal labour market in Peru

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 22:00:00 GMT

(This information is only available in Spanish.)

El país tiene más de 12 millones de personas con trabajo informal. Poco más de un tercio de esa cifra son jóvenes, además que cuatro de cada diez son pobres. En su estudio "Empleo informal y políticas de protección social en Perú. Retos y oportunidades para el nuevo gobierno", Tatiana Velazco precisa que dentro de este grupo siete de cada diez jóvenes tienen entre 14 y 24 años, lo cual quiere decir que aún están en una etapa de adquisición de capital humano y de metas formativas.

(Sonia Gilvonio, Gestion, "Jóvenes trabajadores representan un tercio del mercado informal," 7 de Julio de 2011, http://gestion.pe/impresa/noticia/jovenes-trabajadores-representan-tercio-mercado-informal/2011-07-07/34595)

Matthias Reusing and Lu Jianshe evaluate the EU-China Social Security Reform Cooperation Project (EUCSS)

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Matthias Reusing, second secretary of the Cooperation Section of the EU Delegation to China and Mongolia, and Lu Jianshe, acting project director of EUCSS, share their insights into the China-EU Social Security Reform Cooperation Project (EUCSS) project with China Daily. The project has been piloted in both developed parts of eastern China and in less developed areas and has played an active role advancing the country's social security reforms.

(China Daily, "Making an effort to overhaul the social security system" 5 July 2011, http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2011-07/05/content_12833389.htm)

Central Africa Social Protection Conference: 11-12 July 2011

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The aim of the conference is to bring together civil society organizations from Central Africa to share experiences on Social Protection policies and programmes in their countries with a view to drawing lessons that will take the agenda forward at country level.

The Conference will have the following objectives:

To share experiences on social protection systems and programmes in the respective countries.
To discuss strategies of strengthening the voice of civil society in the region in the ongoing debates on social protection at the national and regional level.
To examine and chart the way forward on how civil society in the Central Africa region can engage with their governments.

For more information, click here

The European Commission's social policy forum, "The Social Protection Committee" (SPC) publishes strategy report

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The Social Protection Committee (SPC), a policy forum for EU countries and the Commission, has issued a report on "The Social dimension of the Europe 2020 strategy" that examines actions to promote inclusion and reduce poverty, in line with the strategy's headline targets.

The report details the challenges in fighting poverty and social exclusion in the EU and assesses policy options for addressing them. It analyses actions focusing on:

sustainable and adequate reforms of social protection systems
active inclusion strategies
well-designed universal and targeted benefits for families and groups at risk
future pension adequacy and long-term financial sustainability of pensions
increased effectiveness of health care and long-term care

It also outlines findings of the SPC work carried out in 2010 on:

following the social consequences of the crisis
deepening the policy dialogue on the issue of pension sustainability and adequacy
social services of general interest

For opinions and other documents from the Social Protection Committee, click here.

The United Nations publishes "The Promise of Protection: Social Protection and development in Asia and the Pacific"

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 22:00:00 GMT

This report is a contribution to the policy debate on the direction of social protection in Asia and the Pacific. It shows that, while many countries of the region have in place some form of social protection, this benefits only a fraction of those who need it. Nonetheless, as the report argues, present-day programmes can be the building blocks of more integrated protection systems as a part of the inclusive growth and social equity agenda. The cost of such systems will vary according to the level of economic development, income distribution and affordability but as the report suggest, even at the lower end of the economic spectrum, comprehensive social protection is within the reach of most countries in the near future.

To read the report, click here

The Social Protection Floor Initiative Petition

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) coordinate the Social Protection Floor Initiative (SPF-I) as a joint UN effort to build a global coalition committed to supporting countries in building national social protection floors for their citizens.

A Social Protection Floor (SPF) is the first level of a comprehensive national social protection system that helps to realize human rights for all through guaranteeing:

Universal access to essential services (such as health, education, housing, water and sanitation and other services as nationally defined); Social Transfers in cash or kind to guarantee income security, food security, adequate nutrition and access to essential services.

By signing this petition endorsing the Social Protection Floor, you can express your support for income security and basic services for all.

For further information click on: The Social Protection Floor

By 2 November 2011: 1947 signatures...

Forum de la prévoyance professionnelle (occupational pensions), 4 November 2011, HEC Lausanne, Switzerland

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 23:00:00 GMT

This is a day of lectures and discussions on challenges faced by the occupational pensions pillar, with the participation of renowned experts.

Conference organised by the Actuarial Science Department for the celebration of the centennial of HEC Lausanne, the Faculty of Business and Economics of the University of Lausanne (UNIL).

More information at: HEC100 Lausanne

Philippines: 359,903 in the Bicolo Region enrol with Philipine National Health Insurance Scheme, June 29, 2011

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The Government has assured the poorest of the poor among Filipinos of social protection through health and medical care benefits under the Universal Health Care Program in consonance with President Benigno Aquino III health agenda.

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation or PhilHealth has been in the forefront and tasked to cover all Filipinos with social insurance within a time frame of three years enlisting all qualified to become members, especially the indigent members of the community. More...

Marlon A. Loterte. "Philippine Information Agency." More Bicolanos enlist with PhilHealth. Lagazpi City, 1/7/2011. http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=40854

Philippines: Conditional cash transfer program reaches 1.6 million households, June 14, 2011

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman told members of the Senate Oversight Committee on Public Expenditures that the CCT program, a component of the Pantawid Pamilyang Philipino program (4Ps), has already reached 75 of the country's 138 cities. The DSWD has also registered beneficiaries in 950 of 1,400 municipalities, she added. This meant that P4.127 billion of 17 billion allocated for cash grants for education and health expenses has already been given out, she said. More...

SunStar, "Conditional cash transfer program reaches 1.6 million households,"

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2011/06/14/conditional-cash-transfer-program-reaches-16-million-households-161083

The extension of social protection in the Portuguese-speaking African countries

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 22:00:00 GMT

From now on a new space in the Gess platform presents the intervention of ILO's STEP Portugal Program in Portuguese-speaking African countries. It provides indicators of the extension of social security, testimonies of government officials and beneficiaries, among others.

Madurai chosen for Nabard rural pension scheme, 15 June 2011

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) has chosen Madurai as one among the eight districts in the country for implementation of a micro pension project for the rural poor. More...

Source, (Business Line, "Madurai chosen for Nabard rural pension scheme," 15 June.
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/economy/article2107393.ece)

Rwanda: Gov't Committed to Social Security - Mulindwa, 16 June 2011

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 22:00:00 GMT

During the 100th session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) held in Geneva, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour, Samuel Mulindwa praised the inclusive social security policies that have been implemented in Rwanda. More...

Source: (Charles Kwizera, AllAfrica.com, "Rwanda: Gov't Committed to Social Security - Mulindwa"

http://allafrica.com/stories/201106160105.html)

Discussions on social security for all get under way

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The 100th International Labour Conference has started discussions on ways to establish social security for all as a powerful and affordable tool to promote economic growth, reduce poverty and mitigate the impact of crises. Yet, only about 20 percent of the world’s working age population has access to comprehensive social security systems, according to a new conference report, entitled “Social Security for Social Justice and a fair Globalization”. More...

International Labour Conference ends with a commitment to establish national social protection floors

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 22:00:00 GMT

ILO, Geneva, 17 June 2011. The International Labour Conference, at its 100th Session, has concluded its discussions on the role of social security with a commitment to establishing national social protection floors aiming at extending at least a minimum level of social security to all, as part of comprehensive social security systems.

The extension of social security to all has moved a decisive step forward. At its 100th Session, the International Labour Conference* has adopted a Resolution on social protection (social security) which reconfirms the role of social security as a human right and a social and economic necessity for countries at all levels of development. This Resolution expresses the commitment of governments, employers and workers in the 183 member States of the ILO to step up their efforts to build national social protection floor as part of their national strategies to develop comprehensive social security systems. The Resolution reflects the outcome of the second Recurrent Discussion on the ILO's strategic objectives in the context of the follow-up to the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization (2008).

The Resolution on social protection endorses a two-dimensional strategy to the extension of social security to all aiming at building comprehensive social security systems, as laid out in the ILO Report submitted to the Conference**. The horizontal dimension of the two-dimensional strategy aims at the rapid implementation of national Social Protection Floors, introducing basic social security guarantees that ensure that over the life cycle all in need have effective access to health care and a minimum level of income security. Such policies aim at facilitating effective access to essential goods and services, promote productive economic activity and be implemented in close coordination with other policies enhancing employability, reducing informality and precariousness, creating decent jobs and promoting entrepreneurship. The vertical dimension of the two-dimensional strategy seeks to provide progressively higher levels of protection, guided by the ILO up-to-date social security standards, to as many people as possible as soon as possible. The two dimensions of the extension of coverage are consistent with moving towards compliance with the requirements of the Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1952 (No. 102) and are of equal importance and should be pursued simultaneously where possible.

The Conference stressed that social dialogue is essential in identifying and defining priority policy objectives; the design of the corresponding benefits, entitlements and delivery methods; the allocation of the financial burden between generations and between contributors and tax payers; and the need to find a fair balance between social expectations and financial constraints.

Representatives from the IMF, ISSA, UNDP, UNICEF, WHO and the World Bank declared their support for the Social Protection Floor and the extension of social protection. They welcomed the increasing collaboration between the agencies and the complementarities and synergies that this joint work brought which in the end benefitted countries around the world.

The Conference noted the need for a new Recommendation complementing existing ILO international social security standards "that would provide flexible but meaningful guidance to member States in building Social Protection Floors within comprehensive social security systems tailored to national circumstances and level of development." In view of the importance of, and the need for national Social Protection Floors, the Governing Body of the ILO has therefore decided that the 101^th Session of the International Labour Conference in 2012 should discuss this possible Recommendation as a follow-up to the discussion in 2011. If adopted, this Recommendation would provide a non-binding guideline to member States on the implementation of national Social Protection Floors as a means to reducing poverty and promoting sustainable economic and social development.

The Chair of the Social Protection Floor Advisory Group and Executive Director of UN Women, former President of the Republic of Chile, Ms. Michelle Bachelet, stated in her address to the Committee on the Recurrent Discussion on Social Protection on 13 June 2011 that "the extension of social protection, drawing on social protection floors, universalizing social rights and access to basic services, is not an utopia. It is necessary, possible and effective." The Executive Director of the Social Protection Sector, Mr. Assane Diop, noted that the adoption of the Resolution by the Committee marked a "day of hope ... for the five billion people around the world who do not enjoy the full range of social security benefits, whose pensions are too low, whose access to health care is not sufficient, who have no means of support in case of unemployment" and "for the about one billion people that have virtually no social security and face the risks of life and economic upheavals completely unprotected."

* The 183 member States of the ILO meet annually at the International Labour Conference, held in Geneva, Switzerland. Each member State is represented by a delegation consisting of two government delegates, an employer delegate, a worker delegate and their respective advisers. This year the International Labour Conference meets for its 100th Session.

** ILO (2011). Social security for social justice and a fair globalization: Recurrent discussion on social protection (social security) under the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization, Geneva, International Labour Office.

Social security for social justice and a fair globalization: Questions and answers (3 June 2011)

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Over the past several years, the ILO has adopted a number of measures designed to promote social security coverage for the vast majority of the world’s workers who currently lack coverage. Yet, in a world marked by rapidly spreading financial and economic fluctuations, the capacity of individuals to cope alone with economic risks is even more limited than before. It is in this context that the 100th Session of the ILC in June 2011 will discuss the strategic objective of social protection and specifically focus on social security. More ...

India backs social protection floor, June 14, 2011

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 22:00:00 GMT

India has expressed support for the International Labour Organization's (ILO) proposal for a social protection floor for the vulnerable, but wants it to be linked to a country's financial resources. "Each country should decide the level of its social protection floor, which should be closely linked to the country's financial resources, employment strategy and other social policies," Labour Minister Mallikarjun Kharge said at the 100th session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva on Monday.

To read the rest of the press release, click here.

The Economic Times, "India backs ILO's social support floor but with 'resources' rider," June 14, 2011

http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-06-14/news/29657091_1_social-protection-informal-sector-workers-ilo-director-general-juan-somavia

Social Protection: Towards a universal system? 16.06.2011 Paris, France

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 22:00:00 GMT

This symposium, organized by l'Institut des Hautes Etude de Protection Sociale in Paris, France, hopes to:

promote a substantive debate on the future of the French welfare system concerning the many challenges in employment and universality of social coverage faced by the nation;
tackle some of the issues brought by specialists and researchers, while sharing the views of stakeholders;
continue the debate about the boundaries that exist between different schemes or constituent segments of welfare branches (compulsory / supplementary, insurance / solidarity / social assistance, specific features of occupational coverage..), and their modes of governance.

(Source: ISSA - Upcoming events)

Brazil declares war on 'chronic poverty', 7 June 2011

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 22:00:00 GMT

President Dilma Rousseff has launched an ambitious plan, Brazil Without Misery, which aims to eradicate dire poverty by 2014. Just over 16 million Brazilians – almost a tenth of the population – live in extreme poverty, with less than $45 a month. Half of them are under 19, 40% under 14. Almost two-thirds live in the Nordeste region and about one in five is illiterate. Of the 30 million living in the countryside, one in four is "very poor".

To read the rest of the press release, click here.

Jean-Pierre Langellier, Guardian Weekly, "Brazil declares war on 'chronic poverty'" 7 June 2011. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jun/07/brazil-dilma-rousseff-poverty-eradication

South Africa shifts focus to child protection, 27 May 2011

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Protecting the nation's young and most vulnerable took centre stage, Monday, May 31, as South Africa entered a seven-day show of solidarity with the cause of the country's children. Child Protection Week was officially launched by Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini on Monday and the objective this year was no different than in previous years: looking after the children. The week-long campaign was an opportunity to raise the profile of children, and to mobilise community action and response to breaches of child protection.

To read the rest of the press release, click here.

"South Africa: SA shifts focus to child protection," Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System. 27 May 2011.

http://7thspace.com/headlines/384249/south_africa_sa_shifts_focus_to_child_protection_.html

Tripartite capacity building in Barbados, Haiti and Costa Rica

Sun, 12 Jun 2011 22:00:00 GMT

In order to help countries enhance and strengthen the tripartite governance of social security schemes, the Social Security Department of the ILO, in collaboration with the respective Decent Work Teams and country offices in the Americas, launched tripartite "Executive Courses" in Barbados, Haiti and Costa Rica.

The Barbados course was organized in collaboration with the Business School of the University of West Indies at Cave Hill. The course in Haiti was organized in collaboration with the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), the Trade Union Confederation of the Americas (TUCA) and the Association of Industries of Haiti (ADIH). The course in Costa Rica was organized with the "Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social" (CCSS) and was part of an enlarged session of its Governing Body.

The primary focus of these courses was to present and revise social security principles, standards, financing and governance issues - for non specialists - considered in the ILO's Decent Work Agenda. The courses also aimed at updating participants on ILO's "World Social Security Report"; the Recurrent Discussion on Social Protection (Social Security) during the 100th session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in June 2011 on social security; the latest developments on the Social Protection Floor Initiative and the current developments at the G-20 level supporting such initiative.

Crisis Response in Haiti

Mon, 23 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT

As a follow-up to the two workshops held in 2010 in Haiti, the ILO, UNICEF and the UN Social Protection Floor Coalition are promoting the Social Protection Floor Initiative in Haiti. A Show & Tell workshop took place in Port au Prince on May 24 2011. The objective of this workshop was to exchange information on developments and priorities of the new government that just took office on May 14 2011.

The workshop also focused on the Rapid Assessment Protocol (RAP) developed by the ILO and UNICEF to support joint Social Protection Floor initiatives. This workshop involved both the participation of one official of the ILO Social Security Department in Port au Prince as well as presentations from ILO officials in Geneva through video-link. The members of the UN Coalition on the social protection floor will organize a "Stock-taking" workshop with the new ministers as soon as they are appointed and will collaborate in a joint proposal for the gradual implementation of the social protection floor.

Symposium on social protection in Southern Africa, May 23-25 2011

Sun, 22 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT

There is growing recognition globally that a basic set of social transfers is a key element to realizing human rights. UN agencies, with the International Labour Organization (ILO) in the lead, is promoting the social protection floor, which suggests that countries need to provide cash or in- kind social transfers to create minimum income security and access to essential services. At the same time, many countries in Africa have expanded social protection dramatically – whether it is social pensions in Lesotho, the child support grant in South Africa or the productive safety net programme in Ethiopia.To take stock of these recent developments and discuss ways forward, the Centre for Social Development in Africa (CSDA) hosted an International Symposium themed Social Protection in Southern Africa: New Opportunities for Social Development at the University of Johannesburg from 23-25 May 2011. The symposium brought together specialists from the ILO and other UN and donor agencies, Northern scholars and experts as well as African researchers and practitioners from countries such as South Africa, Uganda, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Botswana and Zimbabwe.

Source: Symposium on social protection in Southern Africa Brief

To read the brief on the main outcomes of from the Symposium, click here and for the programme, click here.

List of powerpoint presentations

Bockstal, C. The Social Protection Floor Global Initiatives. [Powerpoint]
Chikadza, K. F. Civil society support support for government led social cash transfer schemes in Malawi [Powerpoint] [PDF]
Freeland, N. Social protection: The way forward for development partners? [Powerpoint] [Word Document]
Kruger, J and Modise, B. Evaluation of Retirement Systems of Countries within SADC. [Powerpoint] [PDF]
Kurbiel, L. Searching for equity within the Cesta Básica: The emerging social protection debate in Mozambique [Powerpoint] [Word Document]
Laryea-Adjei, G.; Devereux, S.; Motepe M. Impact evalation of South AFrica's Child Support Grant [Powerpoint]
Lund, F. Working poor in the informal economy. [Powerpoint]
Marius, O. Social Protection in Lesotho: Innovative Developments and reform challenges. [Powerpoint]
Murungi, I. Expanding social protection in Uganda, [Powerpoint] [Word Document]
Mushunje. From Welfare to transformative social protection for OVC: A livelihoods based perspective [Powerpoint]
Mupedziswa, R; Ntseane D. The role of Social Protection in promoting social development in Botswana. [Powerpoint] [Word Document]
Nyenti MAT & Mpedi LG. Impact of SADC Social Protection Instruments on the setting up of a minimum social protection floor in Southern African Countries. [Powerpoint]
Patel, L.; Hochfeld, T. Gender, Social protection and child well being: A Gendered Analysis of the Child Support Grant in Doornkop. [Powerpoint]
Piachaud, D. Social protection, redistribution and economic growth. [Powerpoint] [Word Document]
Ulriksen, M. Financing soical protection in Southern Africa: Status and Implications. [Powerpoint] [Word Document]
Vitic, I. Social World Regions: A comparison of EU, ASEAN and SADC. [Powerpoint]
Zibagwe, S. Poor Child Focus in Social Protection and Resultant Unsustainable Social Development in Ethiopa. [Powerpoint] [Word Document]

Master of Science (Health Security Financing and Management) Faculty of Medicine Naresuan University , deadline June 15

Mon, 30 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Naresuan University has designed a course, which offers the opportunity to academicians, postgraduate students and other interested professionals in the Asia-Pacific region to study and learn from both the particular experience of Thailand in regard to Health Security Financing and Management and the wider range of international experiences in pursuit of the global goal of universal health coverage. The curriculum has been developed with technical inputs from the International Labour Office and with financial support from the National Health Security Office.

When? From July 2011 to June 2013.

Where? At the National Health Security Office, Chaengwattana Road, Bangkok, in Thailand

Tuition fee: The total fee for the completion of the course is 250,000 baht (app. $8,500)

For more information and possibilities of tuition fee waiver, go to www.med.nu.ac.th

Experts Meeting on Building Social Safety Nets for Employment - Strategies in Asia, 21-22 February 2011, Niigata, Japan.

Wed, 25 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The Experts Meeting, organized by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) of Japan and the ILO, aimed at identifying key elements for the promotion of social safety nets for employment. The first part of the meeting covered an overview of the evolution of social safety nets in Asian countries. The second part focused on social safety nets for employment, review different types of safety programmes taking example for the response to the past two economic crisis.

Certificate in managing social security & pensions

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The Graduate School of Public and Development Management at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, is preparing for the big South African Social Security Debate, in partnership with the International Labour Office (ILO). Applicants from labour, business, civil society and government are particularly encouraged to attend.

General Information

Many income earners and their families in Southern Africa are not protected by social security. Others are inadequately pro-tected in certain essential categories of social risk. In response, countries in the region have initiated comprehensive social security reforms which seek to strengthen social security protection to income earners and to new categories of risk.

In South Africa, there is a move afoot to build a more inclusive and comprehensive contributory system. To do this, there is a need to develop the capacity of policy-makers, stakeholders and civil society, as well as managers and office-bearers within the system.

To respond to this need, Wits University, in partnership with the International Labour Office (ILO), presents an innovative course on Managing Social Security and Pensions. The course gives participants practical knowledge of social security systems and their associated pensions systems, and how they are designed and managed. The course concludes with a focus on the South African system and reform debates.

The course objectives

The course is designed to equip participants with a basic foundation of the conceptual frameworks, core principles, theories, and practice of social security in general and more specifically as it relates to pensions provision.

Promote a comparative systems approach to understanding social security and pensions policy.
Provide participants with a practical knowledge of social security interventions related to the provision of pensions and be able to reasonably apply this understanding to South Africa or their national contexts and to participate in poli-cy discussions and debates.
Access international expertise and knowledge which can be applied to the South African context.
Support participants with their professional career development in their chosen fields.
Support the achievement of strong capacity within public entities while also strengthening the quality of public discourse within the field of social security.
Target groups and admission requirements:

Participants profile

Middle- and senior- level managers and policy analysts working in national government, supervisory and regulatory authorities and government agencies.
Managers and analysts working in private regulated entities responsible directly or indirectly for the provision or financing of pensions.
Actuaries and financial modellers interested in strengthening their knowledge and skills on the policy aspects of the analysis of social security.
Trustees and members of boards of administration of publicly mandated public or privately managed social security institutions.

Institutional context

This programme falls within the ambit of the newly established Chair of Social Security Systems Administration and Manage-ment Studies situated within the Graduate School of Public and Development Management. In addition it responds to pro-posals from Government of South Africa.

The Partnership with the International Labour Office derives from a request from NEDLAC in South Africa in the framework of South Africa Decent Work Country Programme for continuous training to Government and social partners on social security in the context of social security reform. The ILO has also had requests from other countries in Southern Africa for similar executive training to be offered on a continu-ing basis in the region.

Course approach

The initial three modules prepare participants for a detailed examination of the South African context (in the final and fourth module) and a practical evaluation of the role of social security interventions and on the institutional and management impli-cations of social security reform.

With respect to pensions, the course will clarify the role in achieving social security objectives played by non-contributory and contributory systems, including regulated private pension schemes. Course content will address different dimensions involved in analysing social security systems including financing, benefit designs, institutional frameworks and governance (general and financial; supervision and regulation of pension systems, and elements of organization and administration).

Content and course structure

This course consists of two one-week modules, separated by one week to allow participants to internalise the material covered during lectures, and prepare for assessment. This course provides participants with the tools to interpret domestic social security reform with an emphasis on the provision of pensions. It starts with the core values and principles that have become associated with social security systems and then covers practical experience globally taking account of regional tendencies. From this base it moves on to framing generalizable constructs of specific relevance to South Africa and to other contexts. Taking this into account the course will then evaluate the South African context in detail.

For the flyer for this event, click here

For more about the event, click here

Gilles de Robien, the Delegate of the French Government to the ILO, explains the social aspect of the French Presidency of the G20, 24 May, Geneva

Mon, 23 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Gilles de Robien laid out four main priorities of the French Presidency of the G20: employment, social protection floor, fundamental rights and policy coherence. Concerning the Social Protection Floor, de Robien explained that these floors serve as social and economic stabilizers that absorb shocks and bring stability. Through these floors, countries should strive to expand coverage broadly to vulnerable groups, such as the poor, children and the elderly poor. Certainly, a single normative social protection floor model does not exist, according to de Robien. Countries would instead be able to apply the concept of a floor as they see fit following their own timetables and national contexts. The G20 meeting would thus be used as a platform for the exchange of experiences, ideas and lessons learned. De Robien also envisaged the ILO playing an important role monitoring the implementation of social protection floors and helping with the exchange of successful experiences in other countries.

To access the full text Strengthening Economic and Social Policy Coherence Discussion Guide click here.

The Economic Policy Research Institute (EPRI) gives a course on Designing and implementing social protection programmes in Africa, 17-30 July, Mombasa, Kenya

Sat, 16 Jul 2011 22:00:00 GMT

At the end of the course, the successful participant will better understand the comprehensive approach to social protection and how appropriate social protection instruments can reduce poverty and vulnerability and promote developmental outcomes. The course will reinforce the skills required to identify, design and implement effective social protection programmes. A team of international experts, skilled professionals and leaders in the field will teach the course. The certificated course will be jointly accredited by Maastricht University and the Economic Policy Research Institute.

For more information, click here.

Rwanda, Community Based Health Insurance Policy, April 2010

Thu, 19 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The new Community Based Policy Report lays out a strategy to improve the community based health insurance scheme by

informing all segments of the population of their rights through various outreach strategies, including informational meetings at the district level and radio broadcasting,
Strengthening the management of patient roaming so that beneficiaries can be treated in any health facility in the country.
Strengthening community participation and ownership through continuous sensitization of the population.
Reinforcing the Rwanda Health Insurance Council (RHIC).

To read the policy report, click here

Rwanda publishes National Social Protection Strategy Report, January 2011

Thu, 19 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT

As part of a seven year strategy, the Rwandan Government has agreed to implement a social protection floor for the most vulnerable households and individuals, comprising:

a. Cash transfers, providing a minimum income and livelihood security, and

b. Continuing extension of access to core essential services for poor and vulnerable households, in particular health, education, shelter and water, and sanitation.

At the same time, Rwanda hopes to increase the participation of the informal sector in the contributory social security system, with more people enjoying the benefits of labour legislation.

To read the strategy report, click here.

G20 Latin American and Caribbean countries - Argentina, Brazil and Mexico - sign the Declaration of Brasilia on the Social Protection Floor

Wed, 18 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT

On May 10, 2011, in Brasilia, representatives from Argentina, Brazil and Mexico agreed, at the G20 consultative meeting organized by the governments of Brazil and France with support from the ILO, to coordinate their positions in the G20 process and to promote:

the development of better social protection coverage;
cooperation between international organizations and countries to facilitate the construction of sustainable national social protection systems;
ILO support for countries to monitor the implementation of social protection floors;
greater cooperation and exchange of knowledge on social protection and increased support for low-income countries to implement social protection policies.

To download the text of the Declaration of Brasilia on the Social Protection Floor, click here.
For more information on the signing of the Declaration of Brasilia click here.

The Rwandan Ministry of Health will pay for the poor, 8 January 2011

Wed, 18 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The Rwandan Government maintains its commitment to provide health insurance to the poor despite the recent increase in premiums for healthcare. The National Coordinator of Mutuelle de santé Inyarubuga says that the government will continue to provide free health insurance for the extreme poor.

The New Times, "Rwanda: Health Insurance premiums to increase," 8 January 2011
http://allafrica.com/stories/201101100192.html

Rwanda recognized for successful implementation of Health Insurance Scheme, 23 May, 2011

Wed, 18 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT

During a healthcare workshop in Accra, organized by the ILO, the World Bank, USAID and the World Health Organization, Rwanda was recognized for investing in preventative interventions, improving access to curative care and incentivizing medical practitioners for better health performances.

The New Times, "Why Rwanda's Health Insurance Scheme is Standing out," Rwanda, 23 May 2011

www.newtimes.co.rw/index.php?issue=14089&article=2206&week=4

The Girinka program empowers poor families in Rwanda, 2 May 2011

Wed, 18 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The Girinka program, which has provided 110,788 cows to poor households across Rwanda, is an important form of revenue for poor families, allowing them to buy basic necessities, send their children to school and pay for medical insurance.

The Rwanda Focus, How a simple cow gives hope to many families, 2 May 2011

focus.rw/wp/2011/05/how-a-simple-cow-gives-hope-to-many-families/

"Mutuelle de sante was becoming unsustainable..." - Rwandan National Coordinator of Health Insurance, 16 April 2011

Wed, 18 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The National Coordinator of Mutuelle de sante, Herltilan Inyarubuga explains that the increase in health insurance premium from Rwf 1,000 to Rwf 7,000 for the wealthy is necessary to improve the quality and sustainability of services.

The New Times, "MINISANTE clarifies hike in Mutuelle premiums" 16 April 2011

Argentina's official gazette publishes law 26.678 ratifying ILO Convention 102

Thu, 12 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT

By ratifying this convention, Argentina has agreed to abide by the Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1952 (No. 102). This is the flagship of all ILO social security Conventions, as it is the only international instrument, based on basic social security principles, that establishes worldwide-agreed minimum standards for all nine branches of social security: medical care, sickness benefit, unemployment benefit, old-age benefit, employment injury benefit, family benefit, maternity benefit, invalidity benefit, and survivors′ benefit.

Access to the Argentina's official gazette

Endorsement of the National Social Protection Strategy during the Full Cabinet Meeting on 18 March 2011, Cambodia

Wed, 11 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The Royal Government considers poverty to be a waste of a valuable economic resource which is not only morally unacceptable but can also result in social polarization and instability. Council for Agricultural and Rural Development in collaboration with line ministries involved and Development Partners had developed this draft Five Year (2011-2015) National Social Protection Strategy with the principle approaches to

Protect the very poor and disadvantage group against poverty, food insecurity, and exploitation,
Prevent the impact of risks that may result in negative coping strategy of the poor, and
Promote the poor people from poverty trap through human capital development and opportunities including health service, nutritional status, and education so that they can move from the poverty line and transform the Cambodian poor and vulnerable and communities into the dynamic base of national growth and actively contribute to socio-economic development of Cambodia.

The National Social Protection Strategy (2011-2015) is developed by CARD and contained 6 chapters reflecting the effort of Royal Government of Cambodia in providing the social safety net interventions through institutional arrangement and collaboration with development partners and including the broader expansion of social services and emergency relieves.

(Press Release of Council of Ministers)

The ILO endorsed the Declaration of Guatemala during the celebration of the first International Week of Social Security. Mexico, 27-29 April 2011

Wed, 11 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The Declaration of Guatemala initiated the program "For a Culture of Social Security in the Americas” which was developed and promoted by the Inter-American Conference on Social Security (CISS), through the Inter-American Center for Social Security Studies (CIESS) with the support of the International Association of Social Security, the Ibero-American Social Security Organization (OISS) and the International Labour Organization.

These organizations agreed to organize and conduct the annual International Week of Social Security in order to promote collaboration and dialogue in the Americas and to raise awareness of social security issues throughout the Americas and the Caribbean.

For the text of the Declaration of Guatemala, click here.
To view the signing of the Declaration of Guatemala, click here.
For more information on Social Security Week 2011, see the website of the CIESS.
For more information on the program "A culture of social security in the Americas," click here.

CIPS News 09, April 2011

Tue, 10 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT

In this issue:

Angola: The Declaration of Luanda was signed at the XI Meeting of Ministers of Labor and Social Affairs
East Timor: Approval of transitional social security scheme
Cape Verde: Protocol to build a statistical system on social security
Mozambique: Approval of regulation of social facilities for vulnerable children

Download the CIPS News 09 now!

OAS and the CIESS offer 15 scholarships for Social Security Administration Master

Tue, 10 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The Organization of American States (OAS) and the prestigious American Center of Social Security Studies (CISS) is offering 15 scholarships for the "Master in Social Security Administration" program directed jointly by the CISS and the University Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM). The registration period ends 13 May 2011. Click here for more information.

International Conference 'Reforming Social Protection Systems in Developing Countries ', 20-21 October 2011, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The Institute of Development Research and Development Policy (IEE) at the Ruhr-University of Bochum, Germany, together with the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) is convening the International Conference "Reforming Social Protection Systems in Developing Countries". The event will take place from 20–21 October 2011 in Bochum, Germany.

The Bochum Conference will provide an international platform for academics, policy-makers, and experts from public and private bodies. It aims at analyzing ongoing reforms of social protection systems in developing countries from both a political economy and legal point of view. The two overarching questions are:

What are major determinants explaining reform successes and reform failures?
What are successful strategies in building political and public support for these reforms?

Call for papers

The conference aims at addressing the outlined focus from a multidisciplinary perspective as well as enabling a mutual exchange between practitioners and academics. Therefore, theoretical, empirical as well as case study-oriented contributions or policy papers dealing with the conference theme are welcome. However, given the multidisciplinary approach as well as considering the fact that the conference is aiming both at academics and practitioners, all contributions should be prepared in a manner suitable for such a diverse audience.

Submissions are invited from authors from all relevant disciplines (e.g. economics, law, political science, sociology, social policy) and from various backgrounds, including academics, policymakers, and experts from both public and private sector bodies. An abstract (max. 300 words) and a CV should be submitted as an email attachment at mail@social-protection-conference.com until 20th June 2011. Those who have submitted an abstract will be informed by 15th July 2011 whether their proposal has been accepted. The full papers should be submitted after the conference and will be published in an edited volume.

The conference includes keynote lectures, plenary sessions, and parallel sessions. The conference language is English.

To learn more about the Conference, click here.

International Social Security Symposium: Ankara 18/5/2011

Mon, 09 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The second International Social Security Symposium will take place in Ankara, Turkey, 17-18 May 2011, under the theme of "New Risks and Approaches in the Social Security Arena". The symposium is part of the annual "Social Security Week" and is hosted by the Social Security Institution of Turkey. Among other topics, the symposium will analyse recent reforms to the Turkish social security system and the effects of new trends on Turkey.

(Press release from The International Social Security Association)

G20 French Presidency: Forthcoming events

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

G20 Ministerial Meeting on Work and Employment, 25-27 September 2011

Ensure universal access to essential social services such as education and training, as well as healthcare and employment services.
Provide citizens with essential social transfers to give them income and livelihood security for accessing essential services.
Include social benefits for children, seniors and those with disabilities who do not have a minimum income.

G20 Summit, Cannes, 3-4 November 2011
A series of wide ranging objectives have been laid out for this years summit in Cannes: Improving financial stability, strengthening regulation and supporting development while fighting corruption. Following up on progress made at the ministerial meeting on work and employment in September, this summit also hopes to solidify an accord committing G20 countries towards establishing social protection floors.

Click here for more information.

SOCSO RTW Conference, 4-5 July 2011, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The social security organization of Malaysia's (SOCSO) Return to Work Program (RTW) was introduced in 2007. This conference, which is the fourth of its series, will focus on breaking down barriers by enhancing the knowledge on the disability management amongst various stakeholders such as employees, employers and healthcare providers. The end objective would be to achieve a productive and stable workforce with a comprehensive social security system in Malaysia. Click here to read the Conference program.

"Pensions have a positive impact on development" May 2 2011

Tue, 03 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Charles Knox-Vydmanov explains why development experts and international organizations have not paid as much attention to social pensions as they have to conditional cash transfers.

Poverty Matters Blog, Pensions have a positive impact on development: May 2 2011,

http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/poverty-matters/2011/may/02/pensions-impact-development

ASEM Forum on Social Safety Nets: Enhanced Cooperation to Address Post-Crisis Challenges. Hanoi, Viet Nam 18-19 April.

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 22:00:00 GMT

This forum Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), organized by Vietnam in coordination with Finland, brought together around 150 representatives from ASEM member countries, international organizations and embassies in Viet Nam to improve cooperation and confront post-crisis challenges. The participants shared their experiences managing social protection schemes and implementing a social protection floor to better protect vulnerable groups.

Click here to read the summary report.
For more information from the Vietnamese Ministry of Labour, click here.

Le Courrier du Vietnam, "Forum ASEM sur le socle de la sécurité sociale à Hanoi," 19 april 2011.

In the aftermath of the economic crisis, 205 million people have lost their jobs and nearly 65 million have fallen into poverty. This forum sought to confront these circumstances by promoting cooperation in health, the environment and culture. Click here to read the press release.

http://lecourrier.vnagency.com.vn/default.asp?xt=&ct=&page=newsdetail&newsid=71512

Health protection improves in Rwanda, 18 April 2011

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The Rwandan government has explained that the premiums for health insurance have to increase to ensure the delivery of quality care. Rwanda has made enormous advances in health protection due to its community based health insurance scheme.

All Africa.com, "Rwanda: A Strong Health Care Has Made an Enormous Difference" 18 April 2011

http://www.allafrica.com/stories/201104180235.html

Le G20 peut-il donner naissance à un socle universel de protection sociale? Paris, 22 March 2011

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 22:00:00 GMT

This Conference was held at Sciences-Po School in Paris with the participation of Michelle Bachelet, Martin Hirsch, Didier Tabuteau and Esther Duflo.

Bachelet says social protection floors key to addressing rising social demands.

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The Chairperson of The Social Protection Floor Advisory Group and Executive Director of UN Women, Ms Michelle Bachelet, has said that the implementation of social protection floors can offer an effective response to the increasing demands for social justice in many countries.

The International Labour Organization, "Bachelet says social protection floors key to addressing rising social demands," http://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/press-and-media-centre/press-releases/WCMS_153363/lang--en/index.htm

100th session of the International Labour Conference, 1-17 June 2011

Tue, 31 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The agenda for the 100th Session of the ILC includes a recurrent discussion on the strategic objective of social protection (social security). Click here for the supporting document for this discussion.

Ministers adopt the Colombo Declaration: February 2011, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 22:00:00 GMT

During the Forum of Ministers in Charge of Social Development from South Asia in February, participants adopted the Colombo Declaration which strongly supports social protection and the SPF. For further information about this forum, please click here.

Seminars on health microinsurance: CIDR, Autrêche, France, 13-24 June & 21 November - 2 December

Sun, 12 Jun 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The Department for Health Systems and Social Protection of the International Centre for Development and Research (CIDR) announces two new training seminars (in French) on health microinsurance to be held at their headquarters in Autrêches (department of Oise, France):

Designing and managing a system of health microinsurance, 13 to 24 June 2011: This training is organized for the first time to meet the needs expressed by developers and health insurance managers.
Participatory health microinsurance and universal health insurance in Africa, 21 November to 2 December 2011: This is a follow up of last year’s seminar on the role participatory microinsurance (including health insurance) in implementing universal health insurance.

Click here for the flyer for these two seminars

Click here for registration form for the June seminar

A detailed program and other documents relating to the seminars are available on the website CIDR:
www.cidr.org/Seminar-on-the-design-and-la.html

Expert Meeting on Building Social Safety Nets for Employment - Strategies in Asia -: 21-22 February 2011, Niigata, Japan

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 22:00:00 GMT

This Expert Meeting, organized by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, aimed to identify key elements for the promotion of social safety nets for employment. The first part of the meeting covered an overview of the evolution of social safety nets in Asian countries; and defining the concept of social safety nets. The second part focused on safety nets for employment, reviewed different types of safety net programmes taking examples from the response to the crisis. Particular attention was paid to promoting unemployment insurance combined with active labour market policies, for which the challenges, strategies and the role of tripartite partners will be identified.

Details of the Meeting are available at:

http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/topics/conference/15th_ILO/expert_meeting.html

IEN technical seminar on sickness insurance, work (in)capacity and reintegration: 8 April 2011, Stockholm, Sweden

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 22:00:00 GMT

During this conference, participants will discuss some of the recent sickness benefit reforms in Europe. Topics on the agenda include innovative methods to reduce cost and improve reintegration into the work force. They will also discuss how to manage sickness benefits through the partnership and collaboration of different social security schemes. For more information on this seminar, click here.

Press Release on the social protection floor: Anne-Marie Thomazeau, Viva, 25 March 2011

Sun, 27 Mar 2011 22:00:00 GMT

This article, entitled Un socle mondial de protection sociale est il possible?, highlights the social protection floor and the work of President Bachelet. The article states that the social protection floor is both an important investment for a country's future and an important stabilizer during periods of recession. Click here to read the article.

Michelle Bachelet interviewed by Le Monde 21 March 2011

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Michelle Bachelet was interviewed on 21 March by the French newspaper Le Monde about her role as the chairperson of the Social Protection Advisory Group. During this interview, she mentioned that many countries face the dilemma of maintaining a social protection floor while reducing their budgetary expenditures. She also talked about the role that international organisations can play in promoting social protection. To read more about the Social Protection Floor Advisory Group in the press, go to Press Releases.

South-South Learning Forum 2011: Building Resilient Safety Nets, 30 May - 3 June 2011, Ethiopia

Sun, 29 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT

During this Conference, organized by the World Bank, participants will share knowledge and exchange ideas on how to best design and implement social protection schemes in Low Income Countries and Fragile States. Many of the issues surrounding social protection in developing nations will be discussed. These include the recent trends in social protection, the responses to recent shocks, the role and importance of cash and in kind transfers, and how to improve the governance and efficiency of social protection schemes. To read the concept note, click here. For more information on this event, click here.

Technical Seminar on Administrative and Operational Efficiency and Effectiveness of Social Security, 24-25 March 2011

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 23:00:00 GMT

During this seminar, the effective management of social security within the constitutional and legislative frameworks of each country will be discussed. The agenda will highlight recent innovations and reforms in Social security management. For more information on this event, click here.

Technical Seminar on Social Security Reforms, 24 March 2011

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 23:00:00 GMT

This seminar will focus on how African nations are improving their social security systems by promoting and using better management, IT and communication services more effectively. For more information on this event click here.

Conference 2011 on Social Protection for Social Justice, 13-15 April 2011

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 22:00:00 GMT

During this conference, participants will look at some of the larger questions surrounding social protection. Some of the questions include the role of democracy in promoting social protection and how social protection should be adapted to the reality of global warming. For more information on this conference, click here.

Financing and Governance of Social Security, 18 - 29 July 2011 (ES)

Sun, 17 Jul 2011 22:00:00 GMT

(This information is only available in Spanish )

Contexto:

La Agenda Hemisférica de Trabajo Decente en las Américas instituye como objetivo fundamental el fortalecimiento y extensión de la protección social y establece la meta del incremento en un 20 por ciento la cobertura de la seguridad social en un plazo de 10 años. La extensión de la cobertura de los sistemas de protección social constituye un objetivo crucial para la promoción de la cohesión social.

La OIT ha defendido la necesidad de universalización inmediata de la seguridad social básica para amortiguar los efectos de la crisis sobre los trabajadores, en especial a los grupos más vulnerables, y funcionar como política anti-cíclica para estimular la demanda. Para asegurar la extensión de la cobertura de la protección social, es necesario garantizar la solvencia financiera y actuarial de los programas incluyendo pensiones, salud, asistencia social y riesgos profesionales, así como también la adopción de las mejores prácticas en materia de administración y supervisión de los diferentes programas. La consistencia en el diseño de los mecanismos de financiamiento del sistema y su supervisión regular y ajuste, constituyen la principal garantía de que las prestaciones seguirán siendo pagadas en el futuro.

En el fortalecimiento de los sistemas de protección social, es fundamental el desarrollo de la capacidad institucional de los gobiernos y actores sociales en materia de financiamiento y gobernanza, lo que incluye la necesidad de formación técnica especializada e intercambio de información y buenas prácticas en la materia.

Para atender a esta necesidad, el Centro Internacional de Formación CIF, el Departamento de Seguridad Social de la OIT y el Centro Interamericano de Estudios de Seguridad Social (CIESS), han sumado esfuerzos para organizar este taller.

Objetivos

El objetivo general del programa es fortalecer la capacidad institucional de los gobiernos y de los actores sociales de los países de América Latina y del Caribe en materia de financiamiento y gobernanza financiera de sistemas de salud y seguridad social.

Al final de esta actividad, los participantes serán capaces de:

Conocer los principios y conceptos básicos de la seguridad social, en particular el Convenio sobre normas mínimas de la seguridad social 102, la Agenda del Trabajo Decente de la OIT y de la promoción de la cohesión social de la Unión Europea.
Determinar las relaciones entre el contexto macroeconómico, social, político y los sistemas de seguridad social, analizando el impacto de la crisis financiera en los niveles de empleo y cobertura de salud y seguridad social.
Entender los principales indicadores relacionados con el mercado de trabajo, con especial énfasis en la dimensión de la informalidad y la exclusión social.
Explicar los aspectos económicos y financieros de la protección social, tanto en lo que se refiere a las fórmulas de financiamiento como en relación a las técnicas de valoración financiera.
Definir los principales métodos de financiamiento, tipos de planes, regímenes financieros y tendencias internacionales sobre financiamiento de la seguridad social.
Comprender la estructura de Gobernanza, sus funciones y responsabilidades.
Identificar buenas prácticas y recomendaciones internacionales de inversiones de la seguridad social, puntualmente relacionadas con políticas de inversión – oportunidades en épocas de crisis, gestión de portfolio y riesgos.

Participantes

Este curso se dirige principalmente a:

Dirigentes y técnicos de instituciones salud y seguridad social de las áreas financiera y de inversiones.
Representantes de organizaciones de empleadores y trabajadores que participen de consejos de administración de estas instituciones.
Dirigentes y técnicos de los Ministerios de Trabajo, Seguridad Social y Salud implicados en la formulación de políticas y supervisión de la gestión.
Miembros de comisiones parlamentarias encargadas de analizar aspectos del área de salud y seguridad social;
Dirigentes de regímenes específicos para funcionarios públicos y categorías especiales
Profesionales, asesores y demás personas relacionadas con los temas objeto del presente programa.

Como organización dedicada a la promoción de los derechos humanos fundamentales y a la justicia social, la OIT juega un papel activo en promover la equidad de género. En línea con este enfoque de la OIT, las candidaturas de mujeres son especialmente bienvenidas.

Contenidos y Estructura

El curso está estructurado en los siguientes módulos didácticos:

Modulo A - OIT, Trabajo Decente y Seguridad Social.

La OIT y la Agenda del Trabajo Decente. Definiciones, principios y conceptos básicos de seguridad social. Las ramas de la seguridad social y el convenio 102. Seguridad Social para Todos. Tripartismo y el enfoque de género. El Convenio Multilateral Iberoamericano de Seguridad Social y su importancia en el proceso de cohesión social.

Módulo B - Contexto Económico, Laboral y Social.

Relaciones entre seguridad social, mercado laboral y economía. Impactos de las reformas de la seguridad social. Informalidad y exclusión social. Panorama laboral en América Latina y el Caribe. Impactos de la crisis financiera en el empleo y seguridad social. Aspectos distributivos de la seguridad social. Impactos sobre pobreza y desigualdad.

Modulo C - Contexto Demográfico y Bases Biométricas:

Métodos y técnicas demográficas básicas. La mortalidad y la fecundidad ¿Cómo se mide? Construcción de tablas de mortalidad, de invalidez, de viudez y orfandad. Cambios del ciclo de vida: Envejecimiento poblacional y bono demográfico. Las migraciones: medición, la migración internacional y su impacto en el mercado de trabajo y en el contexto de la Seguridad social. Tendencias demográficas en la América Latina y el Caribe e implicaciones para la Seguridad Social.

Modulo D – Financiamiento de la Seguridad Social:

Financiamiento de la seguridad social: Fuentes de financiamiento (contribuciones, impuestos directos, indirectos, etc.). Principios y tipos de regímenes de protección social, incluyendo seguro social, asistencia social y transferencias condicionadas, sistemas universales, cuentas individuales. Sistemas de protección a la vejez, invalidez, enfermedad, maternidad, supervivencia, asignaciones familiares, desempleo, accidentes de trabajo y salud. Métodos de financiamiento: reparto, capitalización parcial (prima media, prima media escalonada, fondos de reserva) y capitalización total. Sistemas de prestación definida, contribución definida, mixtos y de cuentas nocionales. Sistemas complementarios, competitivos y substitutivos. Instituciones públicas y privadas. Evaluación de las reformas estructurales en América Latina y tendencias actuales. Experiencias comparadas de reformas en los países Europeos.

Modulo E – Gobernanza e inversiones en la Seguridad Social.

Estructura de gobernanza, funciones y responsabilidades. Elección, mandato y remuneración. Proceso de decisión. Comité de control. Proceso y administración de inversiones. Sistemas de información. Buenas prácticas y recomendaciones internacionales de inversiones de la seguridad social. Clases de activos y gestión de portfolio. Política de inversiones y oportunidades en época de crisis. Objetivos económicos y sociales. Principios de inversiones socialmente responsables. Gestión de riesgos. Fondos para trabajadores del sector público

Metodología

El CIF-OIT adopta un enfoque de tres fases de formación:

Fase I: Información antes del curso sobre una plataforma Internet – tres semanas antes del curso
Fase II: Curso residencial – curso de dos semanas en América Latina
Fase III: Seguimiento después del curso sobre la plataforma Internet – seguimiento del curso residencial

Durante todo el taller se utilizará un enfoque altamente participativo con el fin de optimizar los intercambios de experiencia a escala internacional. Durante el curso se alternarán las exposiciones realizadas por expertos en los distintos temas, seguidas de discusiones, estudios de caso y trabajos en grupo en los cuales los/as participantes formularán conclusiones pertinentes para la aplicación de los conceptos estudiados en el ámbito de sus respectivas organizaciones y/o instituciones de procedencia o en el ejercicio de sus funciones.

Costos de Participación

El costo de participación en este programa es de 3,200 Euros. El billete del vuelo internacional no está incluido en este costo. El costo debe ser pagado por adelantado. Esto cubre la formación, libros y materiales didácticos, alojamiento con pensión completa, gastos médicos menores y seguro.

Candidaturas

Los candidatos deberán utilizar el formulario de inscripción en línea para inscribirse al curso. La fecha límite para la presentación de las candidaturas a este programa es el 11 de junio de 2011. En una segunda fase los candidatos deberán presentar una carta de compromiso de la organización patrocinadora que indica cómo su participación se financiará.

Sr. Charles Crevier
Coordinador del Curso, Programa de Protección Social
Centro Internacional de Formación de la OIT
10, Viale Maestri del Lavoro
10127 Turín/Italia

por correo electrónico socpro@itcilo.org o fax: +39 011 693-6548.

Actuarial Modelling of Public Pension Schemes: 28 November - 9 December 2011

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Background:

National public pension systems are designed to maintain income and prevent poverty. In most countries, they redistribute funds which are significant portions of the national GDP. Sometime these systems are not as well-managed as they should.

Efficient governance supported by sound quantitative studies can make a lasting difference. Financial specialists working for social protection schemes must deal with uncertain future events and with complex interrelated systems. They need to use projection models for assisting policy-makers in the design of benefit and financing provisions.

The workshop on “Actuarial Modelling of Public Pension Schemes” will help persons responsible for quantitative studies, social budgeting and actuarial modelling to do their job more efficiently.

Objectives

Financial specialists working for public pension schemes will be trained to develop and use projection models. In the course of the workshop, participants will build their own country-specific model based on the generic models of the ILO. At the end of the workshop, participants will be in a position to understand and participate in the full process for demographic and financial projections of their institutions.

Participants

The two-week workshop is designed for up to 20 participants, in particular:

Financial specialists (such as economists, actuaries, statisticians, mathematicians, computer programmers, accountants and financial managers) of social security organization administration staff;
Financial specialists of government finance and treasury departments and departments responsible for social protection;
Financial specialists of pension fund regulators and supervisors.

Please note: Participants must have full command of Excel and Visual Basic.

As an organization dedicated to fundamental human rights and social justice, the ILO is taking a leading role in international efforts to promote and realize gender equality. In line with this ILO focus, women candidates are especially welcome.

Structure and Contents

The two-week workshop will cover the following topics:

Module A: Social protection framework

Design and policy of social protection system
Social protection statistics and performance indicators
Social protection financing
Context of the financial work in social protection
Concept of the generic ILO models

Module B: National projection

Demographic projection
Labour force and employment projection
Economic projection

Module C: Scheme-specific projection

Social security data
Scheme-specific data analysis
Scheme-specific past experience review
Setting scheme-specific assumptions
Modelling scheme-specific projections I
Modelling scheme-specific projections II
Modelling scheme-specific projections III

Module D: Validating and interpreting projection

Projection consistency and validation
Interpretation of scheme-specific results
Long-term sustainability and financing strategies

Methodology

The ITC promotes a three phase approach in its learning activities:

Phase I: Pre-course information on the Internet-based learning platform – three weeks before the course.
Phase II: Face-to-Face workshop – two week course in Turin.
Phase III: Post-Training on the Internet-based learning platform – following the face to face course.

The workshop is based principally on the existing set of ILO projection models, ILO technical guides and the ILO Quantitative methods in social protection series. The workshop will combine lectures, tailor-made modelling exercises, discussions and group work. An action-oriented, participative approach will be used.

Cost of Participation

Participation in the course costs 3,500 Euros (course fees 1,820 Euros and participant subsistence 1,680 Euros), excluding international air travel. This is payable in advance. This covers: tuition fees; the use of training facilities and support services; training materials and books; accommodation and full board at the Centre’s campus; a lump sum for incidental expenses; emergency medical care and insurance.

Applications

Applicants should use the online registration form to enrol to the course. At a later stage applicants will be requested to provide a nomination letter from the sponsoring institution indicating how their participation will be financed.

Nomination letters should be addressed to:

Mr Charles Crevier

Activity Manager, Social Protection Programme

International Training Centre of the ILO

Viale Maestri del Lavoro, 10

10127 Turin/Italy

and sent by E-mail: socpro@itcilo.org or by Fax +39 011 693-6548 no later than 14th of October 2011.

Please note that if a Schengen visa for Italy is needed, the time required is on average at least three weeks.

Distance Learning: Policy and Management of Social Security in Latin America: 27 June - 25 November 2011

Sun, 26 Jun 2011 22:00:00 GMT

(This text is only available in Spanish )

Contexto:

La seguridad social es fundamental en la lucha contra la pobreza y en la promoción de la cohesión social y del bienestar de la población. Sus principales funciones son garantizar a las personas y sus familias ingresos sustitutivos en caso de pérdida de la capacidad laboral y proporcionar transferencias de ingresos y prestación de servicios sociales y sanitarios que permitan a todos los miembros de la sociedad llevar una vida social digna.

Para cumplir adecuadamente sus funciones, es necesario que el sistema se conciba de forma consistente y que el proceso de discusión, toma de decisiones y gestión de la seguridad social sea dirigido por profesionales altamente cualificados y con acceso a la formación necesaria para abordar estas responsabilidades.

Para atender esas necesidades, el Centro Internacional de Formación (CIF) de la OIT ha puesto en marcha el presente programa de formación a distancia sobre seguridad social en América Latina mediante la utilización de una plataforma virtual de aprendizaje. El programa cuenta con el apoyo financiero del Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores de Italia y tiene por objetivo fortalecer las capacidades de formulación de políticas y gestión de los sistemas de seguridad social en América Latina.

Objetivos:

Al final del programa, los/as participantes habrán adquirido competencias para:

Formular políticas en materia de seguridad social adecuadas al contexto socioeconómico y coherentes con los principios de las normas internacionales;
Definir opciones de financiación y gestión financiera de la seguridad social con el objetivo de asegurar la sostenibilidad financiera y actuarial del sistema;
Analizar la estructura de los sistemas de pensiones y sus componentes de asistencia social, seguro social y pensiones privadas y elaborar medidas destinadas a promover la ampliación de la cobertura y la sostenibilidad del sistema;
Promover medidas destinadas a perfeccionar la calidad y eficacia del seguro social de salud y aumentar la cobertura de la protección social en salud.

Participantes:

Este curso se dirige principalmente a:

Personal directivo y profesional de la seguridad social y de instituciones responsables de la formulación, ejecución y supervisión de programas de protección social;

Representantes de las organizaciones de trabajadores y de empleadores involucrados en temas de seguridad social;

Docentes, asesores y otras personas que trabajan en el ámbito de la seguridad social.

Estructura y certificación:

El programa tiene una duración total de 22 semanas en las que las personas interesadas deberán completar los siguientes módulos didácticos:

Módulo
A	Sistemas de seguridad social
B	Financiamiento de la seguridad social
C1	Sistema de pensiones
C2	Seguro social de salud

Los módulos A y B son obligatorios, mientras que el/la participante deberá elegir al menos uno de los módulos siguientes (C1 ó C2) de acuerdo con sus intereses y área de actuación. Es posible realizar tanto el módulo C1 como el módulo C2 sin costos adicionales, siempre que el estudio se realice dentro del periodo establecido para este programa.

El Centro Internacional de Formación de la OIT emitirá un Diploma en: "Formulación de políticas y gestión de la seguridad social" para el/la participante que haya completado exitosamente los módulos A, B y al menos uno de los módulos C1 y C2.

Cronograma de actividades:

Cada módulo requiere 6 semanas de estudio con una dedicación de entre 8 y 10 horas por semana para la lectura de los materiales didácticos, la elaboración de los ejercicios prácticos, la participación en foros de discusión, los contactos con el tutor y los otros participantes, la investigación, la elaboración de informes y otras actividades. Al fin de cada módulo, está prevista una semana de evaluación.

Las principales fechas del curso son las siguientes:

	Fechas
Plazo final de inscripción	27/05/2011
Inicio del curso	27/06/2011
Introducción a la plataforma	27/06 -01/07
Módulo A	04/07 - 12/08
Evaluación del módulo A	15/08 - 19/08
Módulo B	22/08 - 30/09
Evaluación del módulo B	05/10 - 07/10
Módulos C1 ó C2	10/10 - 11/11
Evaluación de los módulos C1 y C2	14/11 - 18/11
Cierre del curso	25/11/2011

Costos de Participación:

El costo de participación en este programa es de 1.990 Euros.

Candidaturas:

Los candidatos deberán utilizar el formulario de inscripción en línea para inscribirse al curso. La fecha límite para la presentación de las candidaturas a este programa es el 27 de mayo de 2011. En una segunda fase los candidatos deberán presentar una carta de compromiso de la organización patrocinadora que indica cómo su participación se financiará.

Las cartas de compromiso deberán dirigirse a:

Sr. Charles Crevier
Coordinador del Curso, Programa de Protección Social
Centro Internacional de Formación de la OIT
10, Viale Maestri del Lavoro
10127 Turín/Italia

por correo electrónico o fax: +39 011 693-6548.

Social Security Summer School: 26 September - 7 October 2011

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Background

The ITC has been offering a wide range of courses in the field of social security for over ten years, covering topics such as governance, policy, financing, social budgeting, specific branches of social security, as well as extending social protection to excluded populations. These benefit social security institutions, government officials responsible for social security as well as workers’ and employers’ representatives working on the governance of social security schemes. Courses organised on the extension of social protection aim at building comprehensive and efficient national social protection systems.

In 2011, the ITC is organising a larger event encompassing important aspects of social security policy, providing a follow-up to the International Labour Conference's conclusions on Social Protection. By launching its first Social Security Summer School, the ITC intends to go a step ahead in providing diversified and needs-driven training courses. The Social Security Summer School will offer parallel courses on the extension of social protection, governance, financing and reforms. Over a two-week period, participants will have the opportunity to take advantage of a rich and flexible learning environment with some of the best international lecturers on these topics. The Summer School will allow participants to acquire an international perspective on social security policy issues through comparative analysis and experiences, sharing as well as providing a unique opportunity for networking with a large pool of social security experts.

Given the fundamental importance of social protection systems across the world, achieving extension of social protection, efficient governance, sound financing and well-designed reforms can make a lasting difference. This objective calls for up-to-date skills and knowledge of those responsible for the administering, managing and overseeing of social security schemes.

Objectives

The Summer School will provide advanced knowledge and management tools needed for the effective design, management and governance of social security systems. The main aim of the Summer School is to enhance the capacity of key actors involved in the social security sector to better advise, design, manage, administer and supervise national social security schemes in a changing global economic and financial context. The Summer School covers a wide range of social protection cross-cutting themes such as extension, governance, financing and reforms.

The specific objectives are:

· Improving the skills of social security managers involved in the governance, design and administration of social security institutions;

· Analyzing best international practices and guidelines of social security schemes and the protection of the interests of beneficiaries;

· Increasing awareness of the economic and financial implications of social protection systems;

· Enhancing knowledge of the techniques and methods used for establishing financially sustainable social security schemes;

· Understanding the challenges posed by the demographic and economic changes for social security schemes;

· Strengthening the capacity and technical skills of key actors to design and implement strategies to reform social security schemes;

· Understanding the importance of the extension of social protection as a powerful tool to reduce poverty and inequalities while contributing to economic growth and development;

· Understanding the process for a diagnosis of current national social protection systems and formulation of a national strategy on the extension of social protection;

· Reviewing various initiatives around the world which are components of the social floor or milestones for extension of social protection, in view of their replication and adaptation in other countries.

Participants

Participants are officials committed to furthering the social protection with innovative, practical methods and techniques. Per instance, participants can be:

· Managers, planners, advisers and professionals working in social security institutions;

· Policy planners and officials from key ministries responsible for the development and monitoring of social protection systems such as:

o Ministry of Labour;

o Ministry of Finance and Planning;

o Ministry of Health;

o Ministry of Social Protection;

o Ministry of Social Affairs

· Representatives of the social partners involved in the governance of social security institutions.

· Practitioners and consultants of UN agencies working on social protection;

· Leaders and key members of associative or non-governmental organizations engaged in social protection policy formulation

Methodology and Programme Design

The ITC promotes a three phase approach in its learning activities:

· Phase I: Pre-course information on the Internet-based learning platform – three weeks before the course.

· Phase II: Face-to-Face workshop – two week course in Turin.

· Phase III: Post-Training on the Internet-based learning platform – following the face to face course.

Phase II: Face-to-Face workshop

The programme lasts for two full weeks, and is divided into four 3 day courses. The participants have the opportunity to benefit from the daily plenary forum plus two elective courses each week.

Please refer to Tentative Timetable for further information (link).

Daily plenary forum: Each morning of the two weeks, participants will join top profile guests to discuss as a group high-priority and emerging themes in the field of social security. This daily get-together will serve as a backdrop to the relevant issues as participants then break up to attend their respective courses. All program participants will attend this daily forum.

Morning Elective Courses: Participants will pre-register for two 3-day courses, which will run from Monday through Friday. Each week, there will be a number of different morning elective courses to choose from.

Afternoon Elective Courses: Participants will take 2 afternoon electives during the programme. All courses offered in the afternoon are 3 day courses that participants will register for before the programme. Each week, there will be a number of different afternoon elective courses to choose from.

Summary sessions: allow participants from the three other elective courses offered parallel to your course to explore the topic in a nutshell and link it to the topic they learned about during the previous days.

During the course an action-oriented, highly participative approach will be used with particular attention to sharing international experience with a view to adaptation and practical application. Training methods will combine lectures and discussions, case studies, open space discussions, group work and individual exercises.

Key themes

Elective courses are grouped under four themes, namely extension of social protection, governance, financing and pension reforms.

1. Extension of social protection

· The Social Protection Floor initiative: background and development, concept and different dimensions in terms of services and transfers; main components of the SPF; financial constraints, social budgeting and fiscal space.

· Assessment of the current situation of social protection at country level and the financing options based on fiscal space, international cooperation, innovative financing (tools & approaches, gender considerations);

· Elaboration and implementation of social protection extension strategy, including the horizontal and vertical dimensions;

· Social protection floor components and strategies in other countries.

2. Governance

· Key concepts of social security governance: components of national social protection systems, trends in social protection expenditures, social protection public policy/finance interrelationships, meaning of governance;

· Governance and the Board of Directors: job of a board member, legal basis, board activities;

· Non-financial aspects of governance: management structures, objectives, performance assessment, record keeping, statistics, transparency, communications, annual reports;

· Public finance, government budgets, sources of financing of social security;

· Financial governance of operations: risk management, accounting, budgets, financial controls, administrative expenses, compliance, auditing, fraud;

· Financial governance of contributory scheme benefits: financial systems for different benefits, actuarial valuations, actuarial reports;

· Financial governance of non-contributory schemes;

· Best practices of social protection governance around the world.

3. Financing

· Economic and social implications of social security systems: Impacts of social security on the labour and financial markets; poverty alleviation; fiscal implications;

· Financing mechanisms: financing systems for long and short term benefits; sources of financing; pay-as-you-go and funded schemes; defined benefits vs. defined contribution schemes and mix arrangements; sensitive tests and interpretation of actuarial evaluations;

· Planning: actuarial projections, social budgeting, social protection expenditure and performance reviews;

· Fund management and investment: asset classes –cash equivalents, long term fixed income, equity, alternative asset classes, real estate; plan asset allocation, portfolio rebalancing and risk management; corporate governance and socially responsible.

4. Pension reforms

· Maintain pension levels in public pension schemes: maintaining parameters consistent with public pension system objectives in terms of targeted population, income replacement, solidarity and equity; parametric reforms: eligibility conditions, contribution rate, benefit structure, accrual rates, and indexation; outcomes of parametric reforms: winners and losers;

· Lessons learnt from systemic reforms: a short history of systemic reforms; transition of systemic reform; systemic public pension reforms effect on income distribution;

· Identifying optimal financing strategies of public pension schemes and their design: funded versus PAYGO; voluntary versus mandatory; public versus private sourcing.

Preliminary list of plenary sessions and elective courses

Week 1 - Plenary sessions

· Strengthening worldwide efforts to extend social security coverage through the Social Protection Floor, Michael Cichon, ILO

· Pro-active and preventive social security, Hans-Horst Konkolewsky, ISSA

· Coping with challenges in the investment of social security funds, Consultant

· Engendering social protection, UNRISD

Week 1 – Morning elective courses

Course 1: Social security for social justice and a fair globalization, Michael Cichon, ILO

Course 2: Social Budgeting for adequat and affordable floors of protection, Elliot Harris, IMF and Krzysztof Hagemejer, ILO

Course 3: Social Security Investment Management and Performance, Consultant

Course 4: Demographic and economic challenges, Axel Weber, Consultant

Week 1 – Afternoon elective courses

Course 5: Social protection extension success stories, Helmut Schwarzer, ILO

Course 6: Innovative methods: Collection and compliance, Greg McTaggart, Consultant

Course 7: Social security governance: Guideline and case studies, Ariel Pino, ISSA

Course 8: Innovative thinking on social security policy, University of Sussex

Week 2 - Plenary sessions

· Providing Security in Old Age through Sustainable Pension Systems, World Bank and Alejandro Bonilla, ILO

· Implementing pension reforms, Monika Queisser and Juan Yermo, OECD and Anne Drouin, ILO

· Measuring social security impact on poverty, ILO, UNICEF, UNRISD and ODI

· Moving toward a new ILO instrument on the Social Protection Floor, Michael Cichon, ILO

Week 2 – Morning elective courses

Course 9: Effects of Social Transfer Programmes, Chris DeNeubourg, Unicef

Course 10: Impacts of social protection on poverty reduction, Chrisina Behrendt and Florence Bonnet, ILO

Course 11: Pension Policy, Alejandro Bonilla, ILO and World Bank

Course 12: International Labour Standards: Social security and social dialogues, Youcef Ghellab and Emmanuelle St-Pierre, ILO

Week 2 – Afternoon elective courses

Course 13: Employment Guarantee Programmes, ODI

Course 14: Actuarial modelling and Costing methods, Anne Drouin and Charles Crevier, ILO

Course 15: Pension reforms and political process, Monika Queisser and Juan Yermo, OECD, John Woodall, ILO

Course 16: Impacts of social security on labour markets and the challenge of informality, UNRISD

Resource Persons

Through its pivotal role in social security policy development, strong partnerships with other United Nations Agencies and comprehensive technical cooperation projects around the world, the ILO draws on a worldwide network of the best social security experts from its own staff, social security institutions, well-known universities, recognized research institutes and senior consultants.

Please see the list of resource persons who already confirmed their participation by following this link.

Cost of Participation

Participation in the course costs 3,250 Euros (course fees 1,570 Euros and participant subsistence 1,680 Euros), excluding international air travel. This is payable in advance. This covers: tuition fees; the use of training facilities and support services; training materials and books; accommodation and full board at the Centre’s campus; a lump sum for incidental expenses; emergency medical care and insurance.

For candidates from eligible countries*, the price of the entire workshop including tuition fee, food and accommodation on our campus (excluding travel to/from Turin) has been exceptionally reduced to 3,000 EUR (instead of 3,250 EUR).

In addition to the above offer, we are granting the following group discounts thus making it more affordable for institutions to submit their candidates:

First participant: EUR 3,000 (EUR 250 discount)

Second participant: EUR 2,500 (EUR 750 discount)

Third participant: EUR 2,000 (EUR 1,250 discount)

Fourth participant and more: EUR 1,500 (EUR 1,750 discount)

* Eligible countries are those receiving official development assistance. Please see the list here. We most welcome international and bilateral organizations but cannot offer discounts to them. Should you have any queries on eligibility, please contact us.

Applications

Nomination letters should be addressed to:

Mr Charles Crevier

Activity Manager, Social Protection Programme

International Training Centre of the ILO

10, Viale Maestri del Lavoro

10127 Turin, Italy

and sent by E-mail (socpro@itcilo.org) or by Fax +39 011 693-6548 no later than 19th of August 2011.

Please note that if a Schengen visa for Italy is needed, the time required is on average at least three weeks.

Link to online registration form

Link to ITC-ILO website

Pension Schemes and Social Security Financing Course (FR): 3 - 13 May 2011

Mon, 02 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT

(This information is only available in French )

Les institutions de développement économique s’accordent sur le fait que la crise financière a démontré l’impact positif des programmes de protection sociale sur le bien-être des populations et le maintien du pouvoir d’achat. De plus, comme l’espérance de vie et la population à l’âge de la retraite augmentent et que la répartition de la richesse demeure inégale dans de nombreux pays, il est essentiel que les systèmes de sécurité sociale soient adéquats et performants au niveau national, permettant ainsi d’éviter la pauvreté à tout un segment de population. Les institutions de sécurité sociale se doivent d’atteindre le plus grand nombre de travailleurs possible et etre performantes au plan de la gestion et de la distribution des prestations.

Les défis sont nombreux. Entre autres, quels mécanismes permettent aux directeurs des caisses de sécurité sociale et les responsables publics des politiques générales et des programmes de protection sociale de s’adapter aux conditions changeantes de l’environnement ? Comment optimiser les fondements mêmes des régimes, les procédures opérationnelles, les structures organisationnelles et la gestion des ressources humaines et financières ?

La formation des cadres et des fonctionnaires responsables de l’administration joue un rôle important dans la mise à jour des méthodes, des approches et des décisions des institutions de sécurité sociale.

En guise de contribution à ces défis, le Centre international de formation de l’OIT propose un atelier de deux semaines à Turin en Italie focalisant sur les différentes branches des pensions et le financement des prestations de sécurité sociale.

Objectifs

L’atelier vise à ce que les participants soient en mesure de:

mieux planifier et de mieux gérer leur régime de sécurité sociale, et particulièrement la branche des pensions,
mieux comprendre les aspects économiques et mieux cerner les implications financières des programmes de sécurité sociale,
mieux saisir l’implication des principes financiers sur le financement à long terme des régimes de pension,
appuyer les décisions stratégiques des régimes de pension dans les différentes étapes d’un processus de réformes,
mettre en place des stratégies efficaces d’extension de la couverture sociale,
comparer leur propre système avec les informations sur d’autres pays, et développer ainsi une perspective internationale.

Participants

Les participants visés sont des responsables de haut niveau des institutions de sécurité sociale, des fonctionnaires des ministères reliés au développement et au suivi des régimes de protection sociale et des représentants des partenaires sociaux concernés par la gestion et le contrôle des institutions de sécurité sociale des pays d’Afrique francophone.

En tant qu’organisation dévouée aux droits humains fondamentaux et à la justice sociale, l’OIT endosse un rôle de premier plan dans les efforts de promotion et de réalisation de l’égalité des genres. Conformément à cet objectif, les femmes sont fortement encouragées à poser leur candidature.

Structure et Contenu

L’atelier sera fondé essentiellement sur des modules mis au point et validés par le Centre international de formation de l’OIT en coopération avec le Département de la sécurité sociale du BIT et l’Association internationale de la sécurité sociale.

Les thèmes suivants seront abordés:

Comment appliquer les principes fondamentaux des régimes de pension ?

La protection sociale: un droit humain fondamental et normes internationales du travail reliées à la sécurité sociale
Rôles et impacts des régimes de pension sur l’environnement économique et social
Les caractéristiques des différents systèmes financiers
Gestion des prestations de vieillesse, d’invalidité, de survivants et prestations complémentaires
Récentes innovations en matière de gestion des régimes de pension.

Comment analyser les récents développements des régimes de pension ?

Impact des changements démographiques et économiques sur les régimes de pension
Analyse de l’équilibre financier par le biais de méthodes statistiques et actuarielles
Modélisation et projection des flux financiers des régimes de pension
La gouvernance et les investissements des fonds de la sécurité sociale

Comment réformer les régimes de pension ?

Contexte, objectifs et impacts des réformes
Caractéristiques des différentes réformes paramétriques et systémiques
Leçons apprises des réformes à travers le monde

Comment étendre la couverture sociale ?

Stratégies d’extension de couverture sociale
Socle protection sociale : Vers une protection sociale universelle.
Echange d’expériences réussies en matière d’extension.

Méthodologie

Le CIF adopte une approche en trois étapes:

Étape I: Information avant le cours sur une plateforme Internet – trois semaines avant le cours
Étape II: Cours résidentiel – cours de deux semaines à Turin
Étape III: Suivi après le cours sur la plateforme Internet – suivi du cours résidentiel

Pendant le cours une approche participative sera utilisée, incluant le partage d’expériences internationales en vue d’une adaptation et d’une application pratique. Une combinaison de exposés et discussions, études de cas, discussions en espace ouvert (open space), travaux de groupe et exercices individuels sera utilisée.

Frais de Participation

Les coûts de participation, ne comprenant pas les frais de transport aérien international, s’élèvent à 3,150 Euros (1,570 Euros pour les frais de scolarité et 1,580 Euros pour les frais de subsistance) payables à l’avance. Cette somme couvre les droits d’inscription, l’utilisation des infrastructures de formation et des services de soutien, le matériel de formation, le logement et la pension complète au campus du Centre de formation. Une indemnité forfaitaire est prévue pour les dépenses courantes ainsi qu’une assurance pour des soins médicaux d’urgence.

Inscriptions

Les candidats doivent renvoyer le formulaire d'inscription électronique afin de vous inscrire au cours. Nous demanderons les candidats de bien vouloir nous envoyer, dans un deuxième temps, une lettre de nomination de l’institution qui financera leur participation au plus tard le 25 mars 2011 à l’adresse suivante:

M. Charles Crevier

Responsable de la formation, Programme de protection sociale

Centre International de Formation de l’OIT

10, Viale Maestri del Lavoro

10127 Turin/Italie

par courriel: socpro@itcilo.org ou par fax: +39 011 693-6548.

Veuillez noter que si vous nécessitez d'un visa Schengen le temps moyen requis est d'au moins trois semaines.

World Bank sets up survey on their social protection and labor strategy

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 23:00:00 GMT

How do you think Social Protection could be improved? The World Bank has launched a new survey on the web to collect feedback on their SP and labor strategy. By taking the time to fill in the WB's survey, you can contribute to improve social protection.

Access the WB's survey

CIPS News 08, February 2011

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 23:00:00 GMT

In this CIPS News Edition (www.cipsocial.org):

Cape Verde: CNPS reinforces access conditions to healthcare of social pension beneficiaries
Portugal: The new contributive code is in effect from January 1st 2011
Brazil: The number of formalized workers through the Entrepreneur Programme rose up to 800 thousand

Download here

SPF interagency technical meeting: 7-8 March, The International Training Centre, Turin

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 23:00:00 GMT

This meeting, at the International Training Centre in Turin, will focus on the creation of a communicative and training strategy to effectively promote the Social Protection Floor Initiative. This strategy includes creating more multimedia content, making an SPF Logo and standardizing the transmission of information to clarify the SPF goals. For a more in-depth look at the meeting's agenda, click here.

International Seminar: Financial Sustainability and Investment in Social Security

Sun, 13 Mar 2011 23:00:00 GMT

This seminar aims to create a space for debate and reflection on how social security institutions in the Andean region are managing their investment policy and financial sustainability. It is being organized by the Liaison Office for Andean Countries ISSA.For more information visit the ISSA website.

World Day of Social Justice - High-level Panel event, 17 February 2011

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 23:00:00 GMT

The World Day of Social Justice (WDSJ) was declared by UN resolution A/RES/62/10 in November 2007 and is celebrated annually on 20 February. The resolution invited all Member States to devote this special day to the promotion of concrete activities in accordance with the objectives and goals of the World Summit for Social Development.

In recognition of this day, a High-level panel on "Achieving Social Protection for All" (co-organized by the Permanent Mission of Kyrgyzstan, the Department of Public Information and the International Labour Organization) took place on 17 February 2011 at the UN headquarters in NY. In line with the UN Millennium Summit (2010) and the World Social Summit (1995), the panel seeks to promote the universal provision of a social protection floor. The event brought together key speakers from the UN, Academia, Foundation/Think Tank and the NGO community.

For further details on the High-level Panel event, please download the Agenda
In order to watch the video of the DPI/NGO briefing, please visit the United Nations Webcast.
Running time: 02:08:41, Language(s) available: English

UN pushes for Social Protection Floor

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 23:00:00 GMT

On 14 of February, the United Nations began laying the groundwork for a global "Social Protection Floor "during a session in preparation for an ILO meeting in June with tripartite delegations of Governments, employers and workers from all 183 member states to draw up a long term social protection strategy.

A Social Protection Floor would guarantee food security, health services for all and old-age pensions on a global scale and being an initiative needing minimum investment, according to ILO Social Security Department Director Michael Cichon, it could be realized with only 2 per cent of the global GDP.

In order to read the full article, please visit the UN News Centre.

Commission for Social Development: 49th Session, 9-18 February 2011, New York

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 23:00:00 GMT

The 49th session of the Commission for Social Development took place in New York 9-18 February 2011. This year’s priority theme was Poverty Eradication, taking into account its interrelation with social integration and full employment and decent work for all.

The High Level Panel on Poverty Eradication included a keynote presentation from Isabel Ortiz, Associate Director, Policy and Practice, UNICEF.

The topic for the Experts' Panel on Emerging Issues was Social Protection. Amongst the keynote speakers was Michael Cichon, Director, Social Security Department, ILO.

Summer School: Health Law and Ethics 2011, The Netherlands

Sun, 26 Jun 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The Erasmus Observatory offers a two-week Summer School on health law and Ethics in Rotterdam, the Netherlands from 27th of June to 8th July 2011. The Summer School addresses itself to health professionals confronted with legal and ethical issues and to interested Master students in this field. Topics include Human Rights and health, Sexual and Reproductive Health, Public Health, Bioethics and the Law and Essential Medicines.

Please visit http://www.erasmusobservatoryonhealthlaw.nl/summerschool2011/ for more information.

Social Security Week 2011: Promoting a Global Prevention Culture

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The International Social Security Association (ISSA), the Ibero-American Organization of Social Security (OISS), the Inter-American Conference on Social Security (CISS), and the International Labour Organization (ILO), based on their common interest to advocate improved social protection policies and administrations, have agreed to celebrate the 2011 Social Security Week in the Americas, from Wednesday, 27 April to Friday 29 April, 2011, in Mexico City, in coordination with the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) and the Mexican Institute for Social Services and Security for State Workers (ISSSTE).

Please visit the ISSA homepage for more information.

Making social protection work for pro-poor disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation

Sun, 13 Mar 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Date: 14-17 Mar 2011

Location: Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)

Venue: United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC)

Main organizer: Department for International Development (DFID), Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Institute of Development Studies (IDS), World Bank: Social Dimensions of Climate Change (SDCC) cluster

The aim of the workshop will be to engage development policy-makers and practitioners in a dialogue on how social protection can be used to help poor and vulnerable people adapt to climate variability and change in developing countries. It will address the following issues:

Delivering adaptation: using social protection to deliver disaster risk reduction (DRR) and adaptation assistance to poor and vulnerable people
Spreading risk: using social protection to spread livelihoods risk as a mechanism for long-term climate adaptation
Supporting graduation: ensuring social protection supports graduation from social protection systems in a changing climate

The geographical focus of the workshop will be south Asia and east Africa, although projects and initiatives from other regions of the world will also be featured. Social protection in both urban and rural areas will be considered.

Please visit PreventionWeb for further details.

CSP Conference 2011: Social Protection for Social Justice

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Dates: 13 April 2011 - 15 April 2011
Time: 9:00 to 17:00
Location: Institute of Development Studies (IDS)

The Centre for Social Protection is convening a 3-day conference on Social Protection for Social Justice, to be held in April 2011 at IDS Sussex. The conference aims to explore future directions for social protection that go beyond social safety nets and risk management, to address broader concerns with redistributive equity and social injustice.

Some of the themes that this conference aims to address include the following:

Constructing democratic governance: social protection and new social contracts
Social protection and transformation of social and economic drivers of vulnerability
Social protection and sustainable adaptation to climate and environmental change
Social protection, inequality and redistributive justice

Contributions are invited on any aspect of social protection, from conceptualisation and design to implementation and impacts. We especially welcome papers that address the four themes identified above and draw lessons for how social protection can be made more effective, both in terms of protecting and empowering vulnerable people and in contributing over the longer run to more just and equitable social outcomes.

For more information please click on the link below entitled:

CSP Social Protection Conference 2011 - Call for Papers or visit the IDS homepage.

XIX World Congress on Safety and Health; Istanbul, Turkey

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security ofTurkey (MLSST) will co-host the XIX World Congress on Safety and Health at Work, together with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Social Security Association (ISSA).

8th International Film and Multimedia Festival

The 8th International Film and Multimedia Festival will be an integral part of the XIX World Congress on Safety and Health at Work. It will provide an overview of the manifold offer in the field of film and multimedia products on Safety and Health at work.

World Congress Website: http://www.safety2011turkey.org/

Regional Workshop on Social Pensions for Older People in Asia

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 23:00:00 GMT

ADB Headquarters (Auditorium), Manila, Philippines: 24-25 February 2011

This workshop aims to present the ADB study on Social Pensions for Older People in Asia, discuss issues affecting social protection for older people, and distill lessons for developing and implementing social pension programs.

At the end of the workshop, participants will have:

learned the findings of the study, particularly concerning the political economy of social pensions, design and service delivery issues, financing and fiscal cost, as well as gender issues in old-age social protection;
understood the origin, impact and various models of social pension policies and programs across countries in Asia;
appreciated the issues, lessons, and opportunities associated with the introduction of old-age social pensions;
recommended possible courses of action to promote and adopt social pensions as a strategy to reduce poverty among older people

Top Target Participants

contributors to the study on Social Pensions, including international experts and local researchers
representatives of relevant government agencies from 10 of ADB's developing member countries
representatives of NGOs and donor agencies including UNESCAP, UNFPA, ILO, World Bank, GTZ
academe
ADB staff

Click here to see more information including the programme.

ISSA President reaffirms contribution to Social Protection Floor

Sun, 06 Feb 2011 23:00:00 GMT

The ISSA President, Errol Stoové, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Association to the extension of social security coverage and its support for a global Social Protection Floor during a meeting with the Director-General of the International Labour Office, Juan Somavia, in Geneva on 1 February. The ISSA President was accompanied by Hans-Horst Konkolewsky, the ISSA Secretary General.

During the exchange, Director General Somavia encouraged the active participation of the ISSA in the International Labour Conference in June 2011, which will debate the strategic objective of social protection and social security, and will consider steps to realize the Social Protection Floor. Mr. Somavia invited the ISSA President to address the plenary session that will be organized on this occasion.

The Social Protection Floor Initiative promotes universal access to a set of basic social transfers and services, and is co-led by the ILO and the WHO with the involvement of other UN agencies.

The ISSA launched a new strategy on the extension of social security coverage at the World Social Security Forum in 2010, which includes partnership with the ILO and support for the Social Protection Floor Initiative.

Third Meeting of the Ministers in charge of Social Development from South Asia

Sat, 19 Feb 2011 23:00:00 GMT

The Third Meeting of the Ministers in charge of Social Development from South Asia, jointly organized by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Ministry of Social Services of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is scheduled to be held in Colombo from 20 to 22 February 2011, on Social Protection Policies in South Asia.

The main goal of the regional forum is to contribute towards strengthening the link between research and policy making, addressing poverty and social policy issues and securing a space for coordination and exchange among the Ministries relevant to social development. It shall particularly focus on the role of social protection policies in South Asia to better respond to and mitigate the negative effects of the global financial and economic crisis.

The meeting hopes to facilitate the exchange of experiences and best practices on national policies of the participating Ministries, identify potential joint actions and mechanisms for meaningful collaborations in the future and develop strategies regarding common problems and challenges of the region. The Forum will conclude with the adoption of a Ministerial Declaration, reflecting a common consensus on and guiding norm for social protection measures and policies that need to be established and strengthened among South Asian countries.

Presentation of the 2010/2011 European Report on Development - UN New York

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 23:00:00 GMT

SOCIAL PROTECTION FOR INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT A NEW PERSPECTIVE IN EU COOPERATION WITH AFRICA

The European Commission and the Government of Finland are pleased to invite you to the presentation of the second edition of the European Report on Development (ERD 2010/2011) in the context of the 49th Session of the United Nations Commission on Social Development.

Despite Africa’s generally positive economic performance in recent years and the progress it has made towards certain Millennium Development Goals, persistent poverty remains a huge concern in sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore, the region remains susceptible to a wide range of internal and external shocks which leave people vulnerable and force them to adopt coping strategies that can undermine their opportunities to escape from poverty.

11 February 2011 – 1.15-2.45 (pm)
United Nations, North Lawn Building, Room 6

IMF managing director, D. Strauss-Khan, mentions IMF and ILO joint work to establish a universal social protection floor

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 23:00:00 GMT

See the article published by The Guardian on 28 January 2011.

The social protection floor as one of the priorities of the French presidency of the G20

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 23:00:00 GMT

The French President Nicolas Sarkozy presents the implementation of a universal social protection floor as part of the objectives of the French presidency of the G20 for 2011.

More >>

Belgian Presidency of the European Union : Social Affairs Insight

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union - Social Affairs

"A new year has started and Belgium has passed the kite line of the Presidency of the Council of the EU to Hungary.

The Belgian Presidency has made Social Europe one of its top priorities.

You can find an overview of the various social issues the Belgian Presidency has dealt with, via http://www.flythekite.eu

Once again we would like to thank you for your interest, collaboration and involvement in our work and, in particular, we wish great success to our Hungarian Trio-partner."

Social Pension Forum, Jan 19 2011, Amari Hotel, Bangkok

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 23:00:00 GMT

On January 19, 2011, a policy forum on social pensions will be held from 13:00 to 16:00 at the Amari Hotel in Bangkok. This event will bring representatives from Civil Society Organizations, government institutions, and UN organizations to discuss ways to make the social pension implemented in 2009, also known as the 500 baths allowance, sustainable.

XIX World Congress on Safety and Health in Turkey,

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security of Turkey (MLSST) will co-host the XIX World Congress on Safety and Health at Work, together with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Social Security Association (ISSA) from 11th to 15th September 2011.

The global financial and economic crisis has had adverse effects on employment and working life, and also on occupational safety and health all over the world. Global challenges necessitate global cooperation and one of the most effective and efficient ways is to invest jointly in a safe working environment which will promote well-being and boost productivity by means of eliminating injuries and illnesses.

To participate in the XIX World Congress in İstanbul will be a good opportunity for decision-makers, safety and health professionals, employers' and workers' representatives and other stakeholders who are active in the field of occupational safety and health in order to ensure close cooperation in the exchange of information with experts all around the world and also to explore one of the most famous towns and cultures in the world.

World Congress Website: safety2011turkey.org

Brunei: extension of maternity benefits from 56 to 105 days

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 07:18:48 GMT

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam during his new-year 'titah' on January 2, 2010, announced an increase of the maternity leave from 56 to 105 days for mothers working both in the government and private sectors, bringing it above the minimum standard set in Convention 102 and 103.

For more information: Plaudits for Maternity leave

2nd Strategy Conference: Five Pillars on Safety and Health at Work in Dresden Germany

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 23:00:00 GMT

The 2nd Strategy Conference on Five Pillars on Safety and Health at Work in Dresden, Germany, 3-4 February 2011, will offer international experts and high-level policy-makers the opportunity to explore how the various international strategies can be better linked with one another and how implementation at the national level can be better coordinated. The common goal of the conference organizers is to promote a worldwide prevention culture.

The conference is being held by the DGUV (German Social Accident Insurance) in collaboration with:

International Social Security Association (ISSA)
International Labour Organization (ILO)
European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA)
International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH)
International Occupational Hygiene Association (IOHA)
International Association of Labour Inspection (IALI)

The conference objectives are:

To improve coordination between the various international and European strategies on safety and health at work
To present instruments with which to coordinate implementation at international, national and company levels
To produce an action plan that sets out the necessary milestones and instruments for the development of a worldwide prevention culture.

For further information, visit the ISSA homepage.

CIPS News 06, October 2010

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 23:00:00 GMT

In this issue of CIPS NEWS (www.cipsocial.org):

Mozambique: Financial Governance of Social Security Seminar (in the ILO Quatrain Africa project framework) brings together 4 countries;
Cape Verde: Country singled out as an example during the Second African decent Work Symposium;
Angola: Social Security provides pensions to over 300 thousand former soldiers.

Download the CIPS NEWS October 2010!

1st World Conference on Universal Social Security Systems

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 23:00:00 GMT

The First World Conference on the Development of Universal Social Security Systems, 1-5 December 2010, in Brasilia, Brazil, brings together 98 countries to discuss on the universalization of social security. The meeting's objective is to stimulate debate about building universal social security systems, the challenges of universality and the need to define political agendas and strategies of national and international mobilization around the issue.

For more information, please visit the site of the Conference.

Global South-South Development Expo 2010, Geneva

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 23:00:00 GMT

From November 22 to 26, the International Labour Organization (ILO) will be hosting the Global South-South Development (GSSD) Forum and Expo 2010 (organized in collaboration with the UNDP Special Unit for South-South Cooperation) at the ILO’s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

Social Protection will feature prominently at this Expo (including during the SPF panel discussion on Wednesday, November 24). Both before and throughout the GSSD Expo 2010, the exhibition floor of the ILO will showcase development solutions considered among the best Southern-generated development solutions to date and provide shining examples of the current and potential strength of South-South cooperation.

For more information, please visit the GSSD Expo website.

World Social Security Report 2010/11 now available online

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 23:00:00 GMT

The “World Social Security Report 2010-2011: Providing coverage in times of crisis and beyond” is now available online. This is the first in a series to be published every two years . It examines the gaps in access to social security programmes in areas such as health care, pensions, social assistance, and unemployment benefits.

The World Social Security Report 2010/11. Providing coverage in times of crisis and beyond
Access to additional resources from the World Social Security Report webspace

New South-South Dialogue web platform launched

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 23:00:00 GMT

The South-South Learning on Social Protection, a new platform designed to foster policy dialogue and knowledge sharing amongst social protection practitioners in the Global-South, was recently launched.

It is an initiative of the International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth (UNDP) to promote South-South collaboration, aiming to expand the knowledge base and capacities of developing countries to design and implement nationally-owned poverty reduction strategies, bridging the gaps between theory, policy and practice with accessible and diverse social protection information, as well as providing a space where practitioners can share ideas, experiences and resources. The website has been set up as a "virtual bookcase" where you can find a searchable database of social protection materials from across the world. The collection includes tools, case studies, policy papers and research.

Visit the web site of the South-South Learning on Social Protection.

Haiti: Meeting to adopt a joint strategy for the establishment of a system of basic social protection as part of the post-earthquake response - Second Workshop documents now available online

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 23:00:00 GMT

On October 21st, 2010, representatives of the Haitian Government, UNICEF, the ILO, the World Bank and the United Nations in Haiti held a Second Workshop in Port-Au-Prince to adopt a joint strategy for the establishment of a system of basic social protection in Haiti, as part of the post-earthquake response and reconstruction efforts.

Direct links to the resources related to this workshop can now be accessed here below. Please note that all the documents are only available in French.

Agenda

Team picture

Opening statements

Statement by the Prime Minister and Minister of Planning and External Cooperation, Republic of Haiti

Statement by Mr. Gerald Germain, Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour (MAST), Republic of Haiti

Statement by Mr. Nigel Fisher, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Coordinator of United Nations system in Haiti

Presentations

Overview of Social Protection and its role in Haiti as part of the country's reconstruction by M. Pierre Louis Michelot, Ministry of Planning and External Cooperation

Roadmap for the implementation of a basic social protection system: Items for discussion by Silvia Danailov, UNICEF Senior Advisor

Presentations of the joint UN Social Protection Floor Initiative by Christine Bockstal and Alejandro Bonilla (pdf, 2.19 MB), ILO Social Security Department

Statement of Development Cooperation Seminar: Social Protection - Towards Universal Coverage in Thailand is now available online!

Sun, 05 Dec 2010 23:00:00 GMT

Opening Statement of Development Cooperation Seminar: Social Protection: Towards Universal Coverage in Thailand by Ms. Gwi-Yeop Son, UN Resident Coordinator in Thailand is now available online!

Click here to download

Presentations of the 27th General Assembly of AIM now available!

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 14:04:16 GMT

The website Concertation offers online access of presentations and the programm of the 27th general meeting of AIM (Association Internationale de la Mutualité) which was held in Casablanca, Morocco from 20 to 22 October 2010. The documents can be found under the “focus on” section on the homepage.

GESS interview with the authors of the Thai SPF success story

You can now know what experiences "the authors(Dr. Thaworn and Dr. Worawet) of the Thai SPF success story" had in Turin workshop (July 2010) and what they think of SPF in Thailand from the Thai summary of GESS interview on 1 Oct. 2010(http://www.socialsecurityextension.org/gimi/gess/ShowWiki.do?wid=666). You will get access to an English version of the summary soon!!

Petition to amend Social Security Act (29 Oct 2010)

Petition to amend Social Security Act (29 Oct 2010)

On the 29 October 2010, Ms. Vilaiwan Saetia, a Chair of Thai Labour Solidarity Committee (TLSC) has made comments in the seminar “Building knowledge to encourage the implementation of Social Security Act B.E.2533 (labour integration)” which are summarized as follows;

It has been 20 years since Social Security Office (SSO) was established, however there is a study which indicates that the administration of social security fund is ineffective and not independent.
The most important issue is that the beneficiaries have limited access to services, including the quality of health care. Therefore, this is the time to reform the SSO to become an independent office.
The way to do this is having a petition (20,000 signatures): You can sign your name from the 1^st-15^th November 2010 at TLSC office or at http://voicelabour.org
The law need to be amended because the regulations and content of the Social Security Act is not update to the present situation causing the administration inflexible.
The benefits do not fit with the economic and social conditions.
The TLSE with the cooperation from other sectors involved has drafted “Social Security Act B.E. … (“labour integration” version) to integrate the guideline recommendation to make the SSO independent, and extend the benefits of the beneficiaries and to extend social protection to all labour sectors

Second African Decent Work Symposium, held in Yaoundé, Cameroon from 6 to 8 October 2010

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 23:00:00 GMT

The 2nd African Decent Work Symposium on “Building a Social Protection Floor with the Global Jobs Pact” was held from October 6 to 8, 2010 in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The symposium was organized on the initiative of the ILO and hosted African Ministers and representatives of employers and workers in Africa as well as representatives from UN agencies, the Pan-African Parliament, the UN Economic Commission for Africa, the African Development Bank, Regional Economic Communities, World Bank, IMF, donors and NGOs engaged in social protection policy formulation.

The conference aimed at promoting employment and protecting people through the implementation of effective national social protection floors as important tools in fighting poverty, investing in socio-economic development and consolidating the economic recovery process on the continent. As a result, the Yaounde Tripartite Declaration on the implementation of the Social Protection Floor has been adopted.

Read and download further documents and resources regarding the Symposium.

World Social Security Forum 2010

Sun, 28 Nov 2010 23:00:00 GMT

Securing social stability and economic development

The global financial and economic crisis has reaffirmed the key contribution of social security to social stability and economic recovery. The World Social Security Forum will take place in Cape Town, South Africa, 29 November - 4 December 2010. This unique global event will gather over one thousand leaders and administrators of social security institutions, policy-makers, representatives of international organizations and social policy experts from more than 100 countries.

The World Social Security Forum and the 30th ISSA General Assembly will be hosted by the Department of Social Development of the Republic of South Africa, and will offer participants an exclusive opportunity to share knowledge, recognize good practices and discuss key challenges and innovative strategies for Dynamic Social Security.

For more information, please visit the ISSA homepage.

CIPS News 05, August 2010

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 13:57:05 GMT

In this issue of CIPS NEWS (www.cipsocial.org):

Cape Verde: Prime Minister sets goals for next decade of social protection;
Timor-Leste: MTSS of Portugal supports creation of universal social protection system;
Ratification of a Social Security Pact between Angola and Cape Verde.

You can subscribe to CIPS News by sending an email to cardosos@ilo.org.

Download the CIPS NEWS August 2010!

Global South-South Development Expo 2010

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 23:00:00 GMT

For more information, please visit the GSSD Expo website.

WorldPensionSummit, November 17-19 2010, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

The World Pension Summit, taking place from November 17 to 19 in Amsterdam, offers pensions professionals top-of-the-bill content and 'food for thought'. Meet more than 200 pension professionals from 23 countries!

Latest program updates:

Panel discussion on European pension harmonization with Rudolf Hagendijk (CEO Mn Services), Alejandro Bonilla-Garcia (ILO) and Jos Gielink (International Pensions Lawyer - Ius Laboris).
Pre-Summit Expert Briefing on Risk, featuring a presentation and in-depth discussion on the risk & compliance model of the PGGM , by Sandrijn Weites (Director, Corporate Risk & Compliance, PGGM - The Netherlands).
Three special talks to choose from on November 19th, including a presentation on 'Best Practice in Pension Funds Design' (corporate focus), with in-depth views provided by Nicholas Niggli (WTO), Henk Schuijt (AHOLD) and Fred Nieuwland (MARS). Introduction by Paul Boerboom (Avida).

Click HERE for the full program details

Register Now! www.worldpensionsummit.com

Accelerating the achievement of the MDGs through Decent Work - High-Level Policy Dialogue New York 20 September 2010

The International Labour Organization (ILO) and Realizing Rights cordially organize a High-Level Policy Dialogue entitled 'Accelerating the achievement of the MDGs through Decent Work' to galvanize commitment to and stimulate collective action for the achievement of the MDGs.

These interactive panel discussions will emphasize the importance of MDG 1 (eradicate extreme poverty and hunger) and MDG 8 (build partnerships) by exploring how support for employment and social protection goals have a direct impact on the full range of these stated development objectives.

The speakers will discuss the policies and initiatives that have been most effective at generating employment, ensuring social protection and creating conditions for the reduction of poverty. Discussions will explore the rich initiatives taking place under the Decent Work Agenda and demonstrate its impact as a catalytic development tool contributing directly to the achievement of all MDGs.

Social protection

Social protection is moving forward, slowly but surely.

Thailand: Debate on new social security measures for alien workers

The end of August witnessed a growing debate in Thailand on new social security measures for alien workers.

Speaking at a seminar on public health services for foreign workers in Bangkok on August 18th, the Deputy Permanent Secretary for Public Health, Siriwat Tiptaradol, urged Thai employers hiring foreign workers to enrol them in a health care programme provided by the Public Health Ministry. According to the Labour Ministry, Dr Siriwat stated, there are approximately 1.3 million alien workers in Thailand, of which about 30 per cent live in Bangkok. He also pointed out that these foreign workers, most of them from neighbouring Laos, Burma and Cambodia, pose a security and health problem as possible carriers of diseases such as AIDS, TB and malaria. As a preventive measure, the Public Health Ministry is promoting a new policy for all alien workers, which will require them to undergo a health check-up before being accepted in the workplace. The cost of the check-up will be of 600 Baht. They will also be required to buy a health insurance card, valid for one year, which will cost 1,300 baht. With this card, they will be enrolled in the national Thai health care system.

A week after this decision, the national Social Security Fund (SSF) announced new plans to include thousands of alien workers into the SSF, to guarantee medical services and benefits for the unemployed and those with children. Following this announcement, the association of alien worker employers has expressed concerns about the plans, as many do not believe that foreign workers should be included in the fund because much of the welfare fund's assistance will not reach those among that group who need it the most. Indeed, most foreign workers are on one- or two-year contracts and, as soon as their contract expires, they are required to return to their home countries. However, in order to receive welfare assistance for their children, they have to contribute a portion of their wages to the fund for a full 12 months before they can obtain any assistance. The same is true of medical care: foreign workers need to contribute to the fund for at least 90 days before they can access medical services. But, as a representative of the employers association, Wanadee Sri-iam pointed out, "in practice most fall ill before they're entitled to it". To avoid any complications caused by these conditions, the association suggested that the government set up a new compensation fund for foreign workers, to help them in the event of injury or death in the workplace. This fund would strengthen their right to obtain medical treatment, to which they are already entitled to through the health security cards granted by the Public Health Ministry.

Sources:

Bangkok Post, "Firms told, enrol aliens in health plan, 18/08/2010.

Bangkok Post, "Bosses query migrant welfare", 24/08/2010.

Former President of Chile Michelle Bachelet heads global advisory group to promote the social protection floor

(ILO News) – Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet presided over the first meeting of the Social Protection Floor Advisory Group, held in Geneva on 11 and 12 August and convened by the ILO Director-General, Juan Somavia.

During the two-day meeting, Ms. Bachelet engaged with prominent experts and policy-makers from an array of countries and backgrounds – the members of the Group – in discussions concerning the meaning of a Social Protection Floor; its main components; its political, economic and financial feasibility, as well as its institutional dimensions, fiscal space availability and overall sustainability in very diverse situations and according to different countries' circumstances and needs.

The Group also includes ILO Director-General, Mr. Juan Somavia, and Ms. Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), who act as ex-officio members.

Innovative experiences such as the Chilean social protection system, Brazil’s Bolsa Familia, the Revenue de Solidarité Active (RSA) in France, and the Indian unfolding 100-day employment guarantee scheme, served as the basis for the discussion.

To fill the social protection gap and support countries to cope with the human toll of the crisis, the United Nations system, the IMF and the World Bank, under the leadership of the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, have agreed to jointly promote the implementation of a Social Protection Floor.

This is one of the nine joint initiatives adopted in April 2009 by the United Nations System Chief Executives Board for Coordination (UNCEB) to cope with the effects of the economic crisis. The Social Protection Floor Initiative is led by the ILO and WHO and involves a group of 17 other agencies.

The Group discussed ways to enhance policy coherence in social policies and recognized the importance of the Social Protection Floor as a key lever to accelerate the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It was stressed that a Social Protection Floor is relevant and needed also for developed countries, and an important factor for the achievement of a fairer and sustainable globalization, in particular to combat poverty, empower people, reduce inequalities and build social inclusion.

The Social Protection Floor Advisory Group will provide general guidance and catalyze policy coherence to the work in this area. It will also promote the exchange of experiences, capacity building and implementation of the social protection floor concept according to different socioeconomic and institutional contexts at the global, regional, national and local levels. The group will also collaborate in the identification of good practices around the world and contribute to catalyze exchanges and cooperation across countries, including South-South cooperation.

More on Social Protection Floor Advisory Group Click here

Tripura state notches up top position in MGNREGA in India

Mon, 02 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Agartala, July 21th, 2010: Tripura state has once again come out on top in the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) for the 2009-10 fiscal year (April 1 to March 31). It has managed to guarantee on average 82 days out of the promised 100 days of waged employment to residents in rural areas and is followed by Sikkim (offering 80 days). Tripura's achievement is significantly higher than the national average of 54 days.

Recently, the Rural Development Ministry has proposed to double the minimum days for employment from 100 to 200 days under the MGNREGA and also called for wage adjustment to be indexed to annual inflation. However, the Finance Ministry has turned down the proposal due to limited resources.

Sources:

United News of India (UNI)
http://www.sentinelassam.com/northeast/story.php?sec=2&subsec=9&id=42300&dtP=2010-07-22&ppr=1#42300

India Express
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/proposal-called-for-doubling-nreg-mandays-finance-said-no/647844/0

Delhi has 3% fake ration cards meant for poor, court told

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:27:57 GMT

New Delhi, July 21, 2010: The Delhi High Court has been informed that there are around 65,000 people with fake Below Poverty Line (BPL) ration cards in the capital, which represents about 3% of the total BPL cards. The government is in the process of verifying every ration card and cancelling the fake ones.

The large number of fake cards caused a delay in renewing the cards of other holders. Many petitioners/representatives from the capital's slum areas have approached the High Court, seeking early renewal of their ration cards. Despite the government’s assurance that everyone will get a ration card indicating which category the family belongs to, the representatives have claimed they have not received these cards.

Source: The Sentinel

http://www.sentinelassam.com/national/story.php?sec=2&subsec=3&id=42353&dtP=2010-07-22&ppr=1#42353

Collection of documents on Haiti and the earthquake now available on GESS

As part of the reconstruction efforts following the Haiti earthquake of January 12th 2010 the various UN agencies, NGOs and government institutions involved have been sharing their publications and working documents on Haiti on the humanitarian crisis in order to enhance their technical inputs through improved communication and information exchange among them. This collection of over 200 resources is now available on GESS to all users and participating institutions. Please note that some of these documents are not official publications but work in progress and therefore only available in Excel or Word format.

The documents are categorized in five sections:

Demographic, Economic, Social, Infrastructure, Governance and Earthquake

Each section has a number of different sub-sections (e.g. Population structure, Social Protection, Poverty etc.) and has classified documents by type (e.g. Report, Data etc.). Some documents appear in multiple sections and/or sub-sections.

To view the documents in a sub-section, click on the sub-section title.

See example below:

United States' Social Security Adminsitration to Terminate Disability Benefit for Refugees

In the United States, the Social Security Administration is planning on ending cash assistance previously offered to thousands of indigent refugees who are severely disabled or over the age of 64. The Supplemental Security Income is a Federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues for the aged and disabled, intended to provide income for basic needs such as food and shelter. According to a 2007 Federal Law, eligible refugees could only receive the benefit for seven years; in 2008, congress allowed a two year extension for disabled and elderly refugees which will expire October 1st, 2010. Close to 4000 refugees who are unable to work are now set to lose their SSI. Many of the refugees who will lose their benefits cannot afford naturalization fees and the SSI is their only source of income. The limit on refugee SSI benefits was part of a 1996 comprehensive welfare law, whose stated purpose was to ensure that “the availability of public benefits not constitute an incentive for immigration to the United States.” There have been no signs that Congress will seek to extend benefits or that the Social Security Administration will provide any alternative means of support.

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/01/us/01benefits.html?_r=1&src=me&ref=us

ERD Regional Conference: Promoting Resilience through Social Protection in Sub-Saharan Africa, Dakar, Senegal, 28-30 June 2010

The Conference was organized around country-specific studies as well as regional research on Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), in order to address the key question of which types of social protection have worked and/or are expected to work best for the region. Some of the major challenges facing social protection design and implementation in SSA such as chronic poverty, state fragility, financial viability and donor involvement are addressed.

The ERD-project (European Report on Development) is financially supported by the European Commission and seven Member States: France, Finland, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Working papers for each presentation during the conference are available for download on the conference website.

The Minimum Living Standard (MLS) is to be raised in Beijing municipality and Jiangsu province, China

The MLS of Jiangsu is to be raised.

As of July 2010, approximately 460,000 beneficiaries in Jiangsu province will receive higher minimum living benefit.

In urban areas, the average annual disposable income of Jiangsu residents reached CNY 20552 in 2009. After adjustment, the urban MLS will amount to around 20-25% of the average income (or between CNY 342 and CNY 428).

The gap in benefit level between urban and rural areas is expected to shrink. Parts of the cities of Changzhou and Nanjing have implemented a unique standard for urban and rural areas. The MLS for the central and northern rural areas of Jiangsu region is regulated to be above CNY 210 and CNY 155.

In addition, in 2008 the city of Nanjing issued an inflation-linked temporary living allowance scheme, to ensure a living allowance (separate from living benefits) is distributed if the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rises over 3% for three consecutive months.

The MLS of Beijing will also be raised.

Beijing authorities have calculated the MLS for 2010 and the amount to adjust is around CNY 20 for each beneficiary. The current MLS for Beijing is CNY 410 per month. Approximately 230,000 people are entitled to the minimum living benefit.

A new income verification system

The Ministry of Civil Affairs is set to establish a new income verification system, combining traditional methods with information collected from multiple ministries and institutions. The pilot system will target 33 cities and will allow the Ministry of Civil Affairs to check the income of benefit applicants from different revenue sources including saving deposits and real estate, cars or stock ownership, through information provided by relevant institutions.

Link: Two types of calculation methods of the MLS

Source:

1. 扬子晚报 (Yangtze Evening Post) July 1, 2010

http://js.xhby.net/system/2010/07/01/010783337.shtml

2. 京华时报 (Jinghua Times) July 7, 2010

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/dfpd/2010-07/07/content_10074970.htm

http://news.ifeng.com/mainland/detail_2010_06/09/1600397_0.shtml

Czech Government Reveals New Pension Reform Proposal

The Czech Prime Minister has revealed his Government’s major preparations for an upcoming overhaul of its pension system. A new draft pension reform proposal was recently released by a special commission of the Government of the Czech Republic, entitled the “Bezděk commission," which aims to overhaul the current pay as you go pension scheme. The new draft pension reform includes critical measures such as lowering contribution rates from 28% to 23%, raising the retirement age, and creating mandatory individual savings accounts. The commission has recommended the introduction of a three pillar pension system, comprised of state contributions, individual pension accounts and state-supported life insurance. The Czech Republic has been forecast to undergo a very rapid aging of its population, with the over 65 population predicted to triple by 2050. The current pension system composes the governments largest expenditure, costing approximately 350 billion Kč, or 9.4 percent of GDP in the 2010 budget, and is not considered economically sustainable. The Czech Prime Minister has stated that he will personally oversee the reform of the pension system, as part of a larger plan to reduce the government budget deficit to 3.6% of gross domestic product in 2011 from a forecast deficit of 5%- 6% of GDP in 2010. The draft proposal of pension reform is set to be debated in Parliament, where it is expected to undergo further analysis and amendments prior to its potential implementation.

Source:

Prague Daily monitor, July 8, 2010 http://www.praguemonitor.com/2010/06/10/%C4%8Dssd-objects-pension-reform-proposal

International Monetary Fund, May 2008 http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/wp/2008/wp08125.pdf

Investment and Pensions Europe, March, 2010 http://www.ipe.com/news/imf-maintains-pension-reform-pressure-on-czechs_34272.php

China is piloting Old Age Allowance (OAA) scheme

To promote the establishment of OAA scheme for the 80+ elderly in all the provinces in China, the Ministry of Civil Affairs, after one year of preparation, is about to release a List of leading provinces in OAA distribution.

Currently, the population above 80 years old in China has reached over 18 million or 1.3% of the population, with an annual growth of one million. So far, there are only six provinces where a monthly allowance is distributed to residents over 80 years old: Beijing, Tianjin, Heilongjiang, Shanghai, Yunnan and Ningxia.

The Old Age Allowance is additional to the existing old-age benefits which include:

Rural pension payable to rural residents aged 60 and above
Basic urban pension entitled to retired urban employees
Two minimum living standard guarantee schemes for both urban and rural residents who maintain a revenue level below the locally-defined income threshold.

Reference:

1. 中国经济周刊 (Ceweekly.cn) http://gb.cri.cn/27824/2010/06/08/107s2878195.htm

2. UN Social Protection Floor Initiative http://www.socialsecurityextension.org/gimi/gess/ShowTheme.do?tid=1321

Summary of one-year operation of "free medical care" in Shenmu county, Shaanxi province, China

Shenmu, a county with 400,000 million people in Shaanxi province, started to implement the “free medical care” regime on March 1st, 2009. Hereafter is the summary of the performance of the new system after its first year of operation.

The Insured

The “free medical care” system covers 1) urban and rural residents and 2) employees in public and private sectors with Shenmu domicile. The new system covers 99.8% of the county population. All the insured have access to the same benefit package.

Benefit Package

“Free medical care” is mainly targeted at in-patient treatment. The part of in-patient fee above the deductible and below the upper limit is “free” for the patients. The upper limit for cumulative in-patient fee reimbursement per person per year is CNY300, 000, equivalent to 19 times the annual personal disposable income (PDI), which was CNY16075 in 2008.

The current deductible levels (per visit) are as follows: CNY200 for treatment in village-level hospitals, CNY400 for county-level hospitals and CNY3000 for hospitals of other counties and provinces.

The average reimbursement is CNY400 for each person in the first year of operation, equivalent to 2% of the PDI, which is much higher than CNY120, the national standard of average medical subsidy for 2010.

Sustainability of the Fiscal Budget

Although located in one of the least developed regions in China, Shenmu’s comprehensive economic power ranked No.1 in Shaanxi province and No. 92 among all the counties nationwide in 2008 when the fiscal revenue of the local government reached CNY167.

The total reimbursed in-patient medical fee amounted to CNY143 million from March 1st 2009 until the end of February 2010, which is about 9% of the 2008 local fiscal revenue.

The fiscal budget for “free medical care” system in 2010 is CNY180 million, 20% more than the previous year.

In early 2010, Dr. Chen Zhu, Minister of Health commented, “If other county leaders were like those of Shenmu, at least one-fifth of the counties in China can launch the ‘free medical care’ system.”

Source:

重庆晚报（Chongqing Evening News）June 4th 2010 http://news.sohu.com/20100604/n272555485.shtml

Colombia. Gobierno sistematiza régimen subsidiado de salud

Nuevos ajustes a la normatividad del sector de la salud tras la caída de la emergencia social en la Corte Constitucional estableció el Gobierno, con la implementación de la contratación electrónica para el régimen subsidiado. Ver el artículo en RCN Radio ...

Side Event: "The Social Protection Floor Initiative", 16 June, International Labour Conference 2010, Geneva

International Labour Conference 2010
Side Event organized by the ILO Social Security Department on
"The Social Protection Floor Initiative"

Palais des Nations, Room VII, on 16 June 2010

The side explains the the Social Protection Floor (SPF) concept and is informing about recent developments at the global, national and regional levels. Information note

Agenda

Follow the link to watch the video of the Side Event.

Welcome and Address by the President of the 99th ILC

Mr Gilles de Robien, President of the 99th International Labour Conference
Mr Assane Diop, Executive Director, Social Protection Sector, ILO

What is the Social Protection Floor Initiative (SPF-I)?

Mr Michael Cichon, Director, Social Security Department, ILO - See powerpoint presentation

Social Protection Floor success stories

• Argentina: Mr Carlos Alfonso Tomada, Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security

• Brazil: Mr João Ernesto Aragonés Vianna, Executive Secretary, Ministry of Social Security - See powerpoint presentation (in Portuguese only)

• India: Mr P.C. Chaturvedi, Secretary, Labour and Employment, Ministry of Labour and Employment - See powerpoint presentation

• South Africa: Mr Membathisi Mdladlana, Minister of Labour

• Tunisia: Mr Naceur El Gharbi, Minister of Social Affairs, Solidarity and Tunisians Abroad

How can countries benefit from the SPF-I?

• Burkina Faso: Mr Amadou Adrien Kone, Minister of Labour and Social Security, Burkina Faso

Comment by Employers’ Representative

Mr Michel Barde, Employer Delegate, Committee Member, Confederation of Swiss Employers (UPS)

Comment by Workers’ Representative
Tbc

General Discussion and Closing
Mr Assane Diop, Executive Director, Social Protection Sector, ILO

» Resources and Links

SPF general background documents:

SPF Manual and strategic framework for joint UN country operations

Fact Sheet - The UN Social Protection Floor Initiative

Extending social security to all. A guide through challenges and options

Website linked to the World Social Security Report 2010/2011

SPF Country Briefs:

SPF - South-South Exchange:

Minutes of the high level special event South-South dialogue on the Social Protection Floor Initiative, New York, February 2010

Workspace on upcoming South-South Cooperation publication on the SPF “Sharing Innovative Experiences”

Policy Briefings (ILO):

Social Health Protection

Setting Social Security Standards in a Global Society

Can low-income countries afford basic social security?

Social Security for All

Asia-Pacific Regional High-level Meeting on socially-inclusive strategies to extend social security coverage. New Delhi, India 19-20 May 2008

Governing Body Documents:

Report of the Committee on Employment and Social Policy
Social security standards and the ILO campaign for the extension of social security
Second Supplementary Report: Tripartite Meeting of Experts on Strategies for the Extension of Social Security Coverage ILO-UN Social Protection Floor Initiative: The role of social security in crisis response and recovery, and beyond

Interviews, newsletters and orther ILO documents

ILO-UN Social Protection Floor Initiative: The role of social security in crisis response and recovery, and beyond Interview with Michael Cichon, Director of the Social Security Department, ILO
A Social Protection Floor for All - Partnerships for Decent Work newsletter No. 12 March 2010

New study entitled "Microinsurance- An Innovative Tool for Risk and Disaster Management" is released at the Third International Disaster and Risk Conference in Davos

The critical nature of microinsurance was recently highlighted at the Third International Disaster and Risk Conference (IDRC), sponsored by the Global Risk Forum with the launch of its newest publication, “Microinsurance- An Innovative Tool for Risk and Disaster Mangement.”

The book is a collection of 15 contributions from lectures given at the 2008 IDRC conference, which underline the role of microinsurance in mitigating the risk of impoverishment, as well as its potential as a methodology of risk prevention, risk reduction and disaster management. The collection of lectures analyzes the correlation between risk reduction and microinsurance, exploring the potential of loans, savings and insurance schemes for low income people as tools for risk reduction and faster recovery after a disaster.

Access the press release for the book
Access the table of contents

New rural pension scheme implemented in Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China

Over 4 million rural residents in Xuzhou are covered by the new pension scheme effective from 2010/1/1.

The new rural social security fund is funded by three sources:

•Personal contribution

•Collective contribution, which is decided by village committees

•Government subsidy, the level of which varies with personal contribution level

Contribution standard (unit: CNY p.a.)

Personal contribution	100	200	300	400	500	600	800	1000
Government subsidy	30	35	40	45	50	55	60	70

Source:

徐州市人力资源和社会保障局 (Xuzhou Human Resource and Social Security Bureau)

For detailed information, see http://js.xhby.net/system/2010/03/16/010705756.shtml

Social Security Development in China in 2009

Recently, the Chinese government published an annual report on the Development of Human Resource and Social Security for 2009. Some detailed information on social security schemes, mainly for the urban working population, contained in that report is summarized below.

See the excerpt of the report

Source:

Statistical Annual Report on the Development of Human Resource and Social Security for 2009, published by the Ministry of Human Resource and Social Security on May 21, 2010. (人力资源社会保障部2009年度人力资源和社会保障事业发展统计公报)

For more information: http://w1.mohrss.gov.cn/gb/zwxx/2010-05/21/content_382330.htm

Results of the GESS User Satisfaction Survey

We would like to thank all participants of the user satisfaction survey for giving us your opinions on GESS. We have reviewed and analysed the results and include these assessments in our work to improve GESS. The results can be consulted from the home page (right top box) or by clicking on the following link.

Consult the results

In order to receive continuous feedback, we will leave the survey permanently online. If you have not participated yet, we invite you to take 5-10 minutes to fill out the questionnaire.

Go to the survey

New module for Social Protection Floor country pages

Web pages dedicated to the construction of the SPF at national levels were created to give GESS users the opportunity to follow SPF-I national processes from around the world. Subsections are the following:

Where are we now?
Actors involved
What is already in place?
Key existing schemes/programmes?
National definition of the floor
Building the SPF: recent advances
Learn more about the Initiative

This section allows team work in an autonomous manner. The working groups involved and interested in using such sections can fill in with contents according to their needs. For further information, a guide has been drafted to show how to access and use specific sections available in the platform.

Download the SPF country page guide

GESS on Facebook

GESS has now a profile on Facebook in order to create a community around GESS, to get in touch with the Facebook community, actors and organizations in the field of social security.

If you are a member on Facebook, we cordially invite you to become friend of Gess Ilo on facebook to keep up to date on recent development on GESS and to get in contact with the social security network on Facebook.

Visit Gess Ilo on Facebook: www.facebook.com/home.php

New module for Social Protection Floor country pages

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 12:42:29 GMT

6th International Microinsurance Conference, 9 - 11 November, Manila, Philippines

The 6th International Microinsurance Conference is hosted by the Munich Re Foundation and the Microinsurance Network supported by GTZ/BMZ, the Department of Finance of the Philippines and Georgia State University’s Center for the Economic Analysis of Risk.

Around 500 participants and experts from around the world will exchange experiences and discuss the challenges of microinsurance. They include representatives from insurance and reinsurance companies, international organisations, NGOs, development-aid agencies, academics, policymakers, regulators and supervisors.

The conference will have plenary panel discussions on key topics addressing an interdisciplinary audience. Parallel working group sessions will deal in depth with different subtopics. Interactive sessions of approximately 90 minutes are a key part of the conference, facilitating dialogue in small groups on emerging issues.

For more information:

www.microinsuranceconference.org/2010

New publication on microinsurance: India's Report on Health Micro-Insurance Schemes. Diversity, innovations and trends

The report provides an across-the-country review of 100 on-going health microinsurance schemes targeting the disadvantaged groups in India.

This document is a preliminary version of a database and aims, inter alia, to assess the overall development of the health micro-insurance sub-sector over the last five years; to capture the diversity of approaches, actors, products and operational mechanisms while looking at achievements and potential impact of the schemes; to identify the main innovations and best practices that can be used for the provision of appropriate health insurance benefits to the various disadvantaged groups; and examine how today’s achievements fit into the current health development policies and social security extension strategies both at the Central and State Government level.

Consult the report

Show and Tell Meeting, Social Protection - 12 May 2010, ILO, Geneva

Once a year, the World Bank and ILO jointly invite to an informal "Show and Tell Meeting on Social Protection" where agencies can exchange information on their views and activities in the area of Social Protection. This year's meeting included a discussion on the Social Protection Floor and Social Safety Nets concepts. The meeting was also the occasion to discuss about possible collaboration on data collection and dissemination.

Representatives' presentations are available on GESS:

Consult the documents of the meeting

New on GESS: a thematic page on social protection education

These pages focus on the information and education of young people to help improve understanding and awareness about different risks encountered by an individual during his life-cycle, elements of social protection and available services that all citizens should benefit from. The education allows individuals to acquire skills and capabilities that let them make informed choices, to know and exercise their rights and to fulfil their citizens’ social protection responsibilities.

In addition, these pages provide links to resources and activities on social protection education as it pertains in different countries, e.g. the experiences of Brazil, Chile, Ireland, New Zealand and Uruguay.

Visit the pages Social protection education

1 May: OGB-L Festival of Work - Supporting the Ghana Luxembourg Social Trust Project

01 May 2010

Fête du Travail OGBL, Abbey Neumünster

On the occasion of the 1 May OGB-L Festival of Work and Culture in Luxembourg, the Ghana-Luxembourg Social Trust Project staff informed the public about its activities in Dangme West and the idea of the Global Social Trust. The project is implementing a conditional cash benefit programme for poor pregnant women on the condition of taking up reproductive and child health services. The project is financed through solidarity contributions from Luxembourg workers.

GLST staff team - group photo with Mr. Raymond Wagner, Ministry of Labour and Mars Di Bartolomeo, Minister of Health

Ms. Vava Mortey, GLST National Project Coordinator, Mr. Raymond Wagner, Ministry of Labour Luxembourg, Mr. Neil Tagoe, GLST Project Advisor

Mr. Neil Tagoe, GLST Project Advisor, Mr. Rene Pizzaferri, Director, NGO OGB-L Solidarité Syndicale, Ms. Veronika Wodsak, ILO, Social Security Extension Officer

New rural cooperative medical scheme in China (NRCMS)

The NRCMS is a new basic health social security system, started in 2003, that combines insurance and social assistance, and targets all farmers and rural residents. This system is one of the key elements of the social protection floor in China. It is by far the largest state subsidized and linked micro-insurance system in the world.

Coverage and outreach

Coverage in 2009 amounted to 833 million persons. Participation is voluntary but with 94 per cent of the target population covered in 2009 and an estimated 97 per cent in 2010, coverage is already almost universal. In order to limit adverse selection, all members of the family must join at the same time.

Find more detailed information on the scheme

G20 Labor and Employment Ministers' Recommendations to G20 Leaders

During the meeting in Washington on 21 April 2010, hosted by the US Department of Labor, the G20 Labor and Employment Ministers welcomed the ILO's contribution to support countries to face the crisis and take measures to ensure a fast recovery. In their recommendations, they call on all countries to "establish adequate social protection systems so that households have sufficient security to take advantage of economic opportunities" and they "invite the ILO to assist countries in designing and building such systems."

The settlement methods of social insurance in Ningbo, China

The following documents provide information about the settlement methods for different forms of social insurance of residents or employees in Ningbo, China.

We provide them for those interested in better understanding how insured Chinese can receive benefits and the different levels of benefits for particular groups and special circumstances.

For more details, please check:

Designing and Implementing Social Transfer Programmes - A course for policy-makers, government officials and practitioners, Cape Town, South Africa, 8-12 August 2010

Around the world developing countries are increasingly recognising the value of social transfer programmes in reducing extreme poverty – with success stories in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The Economic Policy Research Institute (EPRI) together with the Maastricht University and the University of Cape Town (UCT) is offering a two-week course aimed at providing participants with an in-depth understanding of the conceptual and practical issues involved in the development of social transfer programmes. Participants will acquire tools required for the appropriate identification and successful design and implementation of these programmes. This course will be held in Cape Town, South Africa from 8 to 21 August 2010.

More information on the course

Executive Education at Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL): Evaluating Social Programs

This five-day program on evaluating social programs will provide a thorough understanding of randomized evaluations and pragmatic step-by-step training for conducting one’s own evaluation. While the course focuses on randomized evaluations, many of the topics, such as measuring outcomes and dealing with threats to the validity of an evaluation, are relevant for other methodologies.

Cambridge, MA, USA:
May 24th - May 28th
Application Deadline Extended to April 9, 2010
The US course will be taught in English.

Rabat, Morocco:
June 7th - June 11th
Application Deadline Extended to April 25, 2010
The Morocco course will be taught in French. More information in pdf

Chennai, India:
July 5th - July 9th
Application Deadline: May 14, 2010
The India course will be taught in English.

Bogota, Colombia:
July 12th - July 16th
Application Deadline: May 21, 2010
The Colombia course will be taught in Spanish.

More information and course application

CIPS News 02, February 2010

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 23:00:00 GMT

In this issue:

The 10th Meeting of the Labour and Social Affairs Ministers of the Portuguese Speaking Countries Community (CPLP), in Fortaleza, Brazil, 22nd - 24th of February
Mozambique: Basic social security regulation approved by the Government
Cabo Verde: New legislation for the extension of social protection
Training

Access the newsletter

ANSES signs an agreement with the ILO. March 2010, Buenos Aires, Argentina

The Executive Director of the National Social Security Administration (ANSES) signed an agreement on March 18 with the International Labor Organization to establish a framework of close cooperation on technical assistance in social security.

Read the official note (in Spanish)

Detailed explanation of work on Chinese people's livelihood in 2010 by Hu Xiaoyi

Hu Xiaoyi, vice minister of Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of the People’s Republic of China, has pointed out in the National Social Security Conference in Wuhan the core of the work on Chinese people’s livelihood in 2010:

Implementing New Rural Pension Plan’s experimental units, permitting the transregional reimbursement of old-age and health care insurance
Continuously complete the social insurance system
Increasing the level of social insurance benefits
All out to safeguard the fund security
Maintaining the fund security

Summary from the xinhuanet.com, 5 February, 2010
http://news.xinhuanet.com/fortune//2010-02/04/content_12930406.htm

Carry out workers' collective wage negotiation and realize decent work for employees

Yang Zhiming, vice minister of Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of the People’s Republic of China, has published an article in the magazine Qiushi the importance of decent work during the period of financial crisis. He proposed the launch of workers’ collective wage negotiation and associates the establishment of flexible wage mechanism with the protection of the rights and interests of employees’ remuneration. The government should guarantee the implementation of regulations relating to employees’ legal vacation, so as to realize decent work.

Summary from the xinhuanet.com, 17.02.2010

http://www.chinanews.com.cn/gn/news/2010/02-17/2125021.shtml

China draft new poverty reduction guidelines for next decade

China has decided to draft new guidelines for poverty reduction through development for the next ten years, according to a statement of an executive meeting of the State Council held on Wednesday, February 11th, 2010.

The meeting was chaired by Premier Wen Jiabao. Participants of the meeting heard a report on the implementation of China's Rural Poverty Alleviation and Development Program (2001-2010).

Summary from the gov.cn, 11 Feburary, 2010

http://english.gov.cn/2010-02/11/content_1533367.htm

"Everything we do is to ensure that people have a happier and more dignity life"

Chinese Prime Minister, Wen Jiabao, stressed in the 2010 Chinese New Year mass party that everything the government do is to ensure that people have a happier and more dignity life. In the coming year, he stated, the government will work harder to efficiently solve the livelihood problems:

Trying to create more job opportunities, continuously improving income level for urban and rural residents, so as to make everybody find suitable jobs.
Improving social security system, so that the olds get their pension; the patients get their health care; the residents get their living places.
Developing education system; promoting the equality of education; improving the quality of education; in order that all children can study in school and get good education.

Summary from the xinhuanet.com, 13.02.2010

http://news.xinhuanet.com/mrdx/2010-02/13/content_12978739.htm

2010 Report on the work of the Chinese government

The Prime Minister, Wen Jiabao summarized difficulties arisen from the economical and social fields as well as results achieved. He reviewed works of the government in 2009 and pointed out works which should be focused in 2010.

In the domain of Social Security, the government implemented more active employment policies; improved the social security system; increased the spending on national education and pushed ahead the reform of pharmaceutical and healthcare fields. Looking forward to the future, the government will mainly focus on the following works:

Give high priority to the development of education
Increase employment
Accelerate the reform and development of the pharmaceutical and healthcare fields
Improve the social security system for both urban and rural residents

Download full text in English

Download full text in Chinese

LOGOS - ACYM newsletter N° 5

El quinto número de "LOGOS", boletín informativo de la Red América Cooperativa y Mutual (ACYM) se publicó en diciembre de 2009. Los temas principales tratados en esta edición son:

La iniciativa de la ONU sobre el "piso de protección social": concepto, objetivos, papel de la OIT, relación con la Red ACYM, el mutualismo y la economía social y solidaria.
Un resumen de la 3a reunión de los miembros de ACYM en octubre de 2009 en Cartagena de Indias.
Articulaciones de ACYM con instituciones educativas.
Varias otras noticias sobre formaciones y encuentros relativos al desarrollo de mutuales y cooperativas en la región y en el mundo.

Descargue el boletín

Latest information about the Social Protection Floor

UN Resolution adopted during the 48th Session of the Commission for Social Development endorsing the Social Protection Floor Initiative.

Consult the Resolution

UN CSocD report on the crisis: Report on the "Policy responses on employment and the social consequences of the financial and economic crisis, including its gender dimension" by the Commission for Social Development of UN Economic and Social Council discusses recent initiatives at the national level and international level. In order to build long-term investments in social protection and improve social services, the United Nations Chief Executives Board for Coordination promotes the establishment of social protection floor which is under the leadership of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Health Organization.

Download the report

UN CSocD report on Social Integration: The report was submitted by the Secretary General of the Economic and Social Council for the 48th session of the Commission for Social Development held on 3-12 February 2010. The report discusses the relationships of social integration with poverty eradication, full employment and decent work for all. It focuses on redistributive, anti-discriminatory and participatory policies promoting social integration and calls for countries to put in place a social protection floor as a means for social integration.

The report also quotes ILO studies which prevent evidence that an investment of about 4% of GDP in basic child benefits and universal pensions could reduce the poverty headcount by up to 40% in the majority of African countries where 50 to 70% of people live in extreme poverty. Furthermore, an ILO study of 80 national social cash transfer programmes shows that they already reach between 150 and 200 million beneficiaries.

Download the report

Call For Nominations: Social Protection Floor success stories

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 10:36:12 GMT

Sharing Innovative Experiences :

Promoting knowledge sharing in the South

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: SOCIAL PROTECTION FLOOR SUCCESS STORIES

Deadline for submission: Wednesday 31 March 2010

The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Special Unit for South-South Cooperation invite nominations for initiatives with successful social protection floor experiences. Selected nominees will be asked to develop a case study of the Social Protection Floor Initiative (SPF-I) and to present and discuss their experience at an international workshop in Turin, Italy in July 2010. The case studies will be published by the UNDP Special Unit for South-South cooperation as volume 17 of the series: Sharing Innovative Experiences.

Who can participate?

Any national or local governmental agency, scientific institution or practitioner that can document the process of how a successful Social Protection Floor was established.

Proposals of maximum 1 page can be sent in English, French or Spanish and must be submitted online by 31 March 2010.

For more information go to this link: http://tcdc2.undp.org/Messaging/nominations/FormCapture.aspx

On line, the World Social Security Report 2010: Covering people in times of crisis

This report is the first of a series whose chief aim is to present the results of regular statistical monitoring of the state and developments of social security in the world. The series will look at:

the scope, extent, levels and quality of coverage by various social security branches;
the scale of countries’ investments in social security measured by size and structure of social security expenditure and sources of its financing; and
the effectiveness and efficiency of social security systems in reaching various national social policy objectives as well as other impacts of the policies which may be of special interest.

You can find in GESS a comprehensive space dedicated to the report, which provides:

the report in pdf;
graphs and figures in excel;
the Statistical Annex; and
quick access to individual chapters.

Consensus on the importance of the SPF and the willingness to support and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences across the global South

The International Labour Organization, the World Health Organization and the Special Unit for South-South Cooperation have sponsored a high-level special event on South-South cooperation on the Social Protection Floor Initiative which took place Tuesday the 2nd of February 2010.

There was an emerging consensus on the importance of a social protection floor for national development processes. Countries of the South have the experience and examples to take the lead on exchanging knowledge in support of building national social protection floors. South-South cooperation efforts related to social protection - including the identification of successful experiences in one country and its adaptation and application in another one - will be very important in the development of national social protection floors.

1ère Réunion latino-américaine du Réseau international Education et Solidarité - mercredi 12 mai 2010, Buenos Aires, Argentine

Le RES (Réseau Education et Solidarité) a été fondé à Paris le 15 mai 2009 dans le but de renforcer les liens entre les différents acteurs de l’économie sociale solidaire.
Le RES a confié l’organisation de cette réunion à l’AFECyM (Asociación Federal Educadores en Cooperativismo y Mutualismo).

Objectifs

Renforcer l’impact des activités d’encadrement et d’enseignement du RES autour des mutuelles et des coopératives en favorisant la création et la consolidation des liens entre les différents acteurs du secteur.
Développer l’utilisation de la plate-forme d’apprentissage en ligne du RES afin qu’elle serve de véritable passerelle d’échange d’expériences. La plate-forme d’apprentissage en ligne du RES, activée en juin 2009, est un outil de communication disponible en plusieurs langues.
Créer et développer un espace de mise en relation des universités proposant des formations de premier et deuxième cycle en économie solidaire.
Promouvoir les liens entre les acteurs de l’économie sociale solidaire pour la protection sociale et renforcer l’éducation.

Destinataires/Public cible
Membres de la RES ayant signé le formulaire d’intention d’adhésion lors de la réunion de Paris, représentants des mutuelles, coopératives et organisations oeuvrant dans le domaine de l’économie sociale solidaire et qui souhaitent se joindre au RES, organismes responsables de la formation des cadres des acteurs du secteur, en particulier les universités proposant des formations en économie de la gestion solidaire et les organismes officiels compétents.

Programme

Intégration internationale – nouveaux scénarios
Outils de gestion dans l’utilisation des ressources en santé
Education et formation – échange de connaissances
Le rôle des mutuelles en temps de crise
Les acteurs de l’économie sociale solidaire
Responsabilité sociale et mondialisation
Marketing – stratégies innovantes

Plus d'info (en espagnol)

High-level special event on South-South cooperation on the Social Protection Floor Initiative - February 2010

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 10:35:22 GMT

In conjunction with the 48th Session of the Commission for Social Development, it is a pleasure to inform that the Special Unit for South South Cooperation, the International Labour Organization and the World Health Organization are sponsoring a high-level special event on South-South cooperation on the Social Protection Floor Initiative. The event will take place on 2 February 2010 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in Conference Room 8 (formerly conference room 10) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

More info...

CIPS News 01, October 2009

The Information Centre on Social Protection (CIPS) is a website that provides information in Portuguese on social protection (www.cipsocial.org). CIPS purpose is to respond to the knowledge needs of the Portuguese Speaking Countries and to make available information on their social protection realities. The CIPS News was created to serve this last purpose. Every two months it will provide you with information about relevant social protection news and events in those countries. Below you will find the first issue of CIPS News.

You can subscribe to CIPS News by sending an email to lucas@ilo.org.

Download the CIPS News October 2009!

Quatrain News December 2009

Quatrain News sums up the activities carried out in 2009 and consolidates the results achieved for the duration of the programme 2007-2009. These results are proof of the dedication and the countless efforts of our associates and participants. Through this issue we would like to thank them for their invaluable contribution.

The ILO's Training Centre in Turin (ITCILO) has issued its 2010 catalogue

The ILO's Training Centre in Turin (ITCILO) has issued its 2010 catalogue of standard courses, which can be consulted online or downloaded as PDF version. The catalogue covers a wide range of topics related to the Decent Work Agenda.

Upcoming courses related to Social Security:

Social health insurance, from 8 to 19 March
Social security financing, from 15 to 26 March

For an overview of Social Security courses in 2010 click here.

To obtain hard copies of the catalogue please contact communications@itcilo.org

China considers establishing a state social security fund

China will establish a state social security fund as a "strategic reserve", according to the country's first-ever draft law on social insurance submitted to the ongoing session of China's top legislature for its third reading.

The state security fund will be financed by the central government budget and other funds granted by the State Council, or China's cabinet, and should be used as a supplement for social security expenditure. The fund should make public its income and expenses, management processes and investment.

Summary from the Chinese Government’s Official Web Portal, 23 December 2009

China's efforts to create more jobs pay off

China has created over 10.3 million jobs in 2009, well above the target set in March this year, Yin said. The urban unemployment rate would likely stand at 4.3 percent by the end of 2009.

This success in times of financial and economic crisis can be attributed, amongst other things, to the government's measures taken in response to the crisis, including subsidies paid to 1.6 million enterprises for their social security contributions as well as allowing for a delayed payment of their (lowered) social security contributions for a period of up to 6 months.

Summary from the Chinese Government’s Official Web Portal, 19 December 2009
english.gov.cn/2009-12/19/content_1491779.htm

China's measures on improving people's livelihood

Since the global economic crisis broke out at the end of year 2008, the Chinese government has timely implemented a stimulus package which stepped up financial support and policy incentives to improve people's well-being and stimulate domestic demand, in order to shore up economic recovery.

The basic pension insurance has covered about 232.380.000 urban residents. 27 provinces and autonomous regions, and four municipalities have started such pilot programs. The government also offered college graduates incentives to work in rural areas and in small firms and told enterprises to provide them with internships. The jobless rural migrant workers also received financial support for starting their own businesses. By the end of the third quarter, some 151.980.000 rural migrant workers had found jobs outside their hometown. Employment rate of college graduates reached 83 percent by the end of October.

Summary from the Chinese Government’s Official Web Portal, 27 December 2009

4th EU-China high level round table on social security

The 4th EU China High Level Round Table took place in Stockholm on the 15th and 16th October, 2009. The theme of this year's Round Table "Managing Social Security in Periods of Economic Uncertainty", two main topics will be discussed:

Responses to adverse impacts of the global economic downturn in the areas of labour market policy and delivery of services
Social insurance and individual accounts - a debate on the motion “In the light of the current financial crisis, individual pension accounts are not an adequate mechanism to provide a decent retirement income”.

Summary from the Social Security Reform Co-operation Project Web Portal , 10 December 2009

www.eucss.org.cn/index.php?id=233&L=0

China: Rural citizens over the age of 60 enjoy universal pension

In a press conference held by the State Council in August 2009, Hu Xiaoyi, vice minister of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (DHRSS) announced that a trial plan for the new rural pension system would be implemented across China by October 2009.

Farmers over the age of 60 will receive a monthly endowment of varying amounts according to certain areas’ income standards. Rural citizens over 16, who are not students and do not participate in the basic pension plans for urban workers, can take part in the new insurance scheme, according to the DHRSS.

The new rural pension system is different from the old system in mainly two aspects:

Different funding sources. The new system is contributed by farmers, collective benefits and government subsidy, while the previous one is only by farmers themselves.

Different payment structures. The pension payment of new system comprises two different parts: basic pension, which is fully provided by the government, and the personal pension account, which is paid by farmers. In the old system, the pension is all contributed by farmers themselves.

The 5th International Social Security Forum took place in Beijing

From September 12th to September 13th 2009, the 5th International Social Security Forum was held in Beijing University. Nearly 400 experts from China, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Finland and other countries, China's Hong Kong and Taiwan SARs (Special Administrative Regions) attended the forum.

The former four forums organized in China, South Korea, Japan have become an important academic event in the field of social security. The fifth forum is also open to several European countries. The forum's theme was "Social Security: From History to Future", dialogue between Asia and Europe and explored the similarities and differences in social security between Asia and Europe.

Europe is the birthplace of modern social security systems, it is also an area with the highest level of social security, while the majority of countries in Asia are still developing their social security systems.

The participating experts believe that all Asian and European countries’ social security systems have the same aims of promoting social equality, enhancing social welfare, and achieving results. However, they agree that there are significant differences between the Asian and European countries; this is not only because of the different stages of development but, more importantly, the cultural and historical traditions. These differences are the fundamental reasons for different models of social security systems between Asian and European countries. Therefore, all countries need to consider their own conditions and choose their characteristic way of development.

Summary from the 中国社会保障网, Chinese Government Portal, 21 September 2009

www.cnss.cn/new/gdsy/200909/t20090921_242860.htm

Xinjiang builds sound social security, medical service: white paper

Xinjiang, a Chinese province, has gradually built a sound social-security system and improved medical service, mentioned by a white paper titled "Development and Progress in Xinjiang" issued by the Information Office of the State Council in Beijing on Monday, September 20, 2009.

Since 1978, Xinjiang's social-security system has gradually taken shape to provide basic living guarantees for the people, said the paper.

The 2008 figures show that Xinjiang had 799 community services facilities in urban areas. About 9,645,700 people had taken part in the five major insurance programs, of basic pension insurance, unemployment insurance, medical insurance, industrial injury insurance, and maternity insurance.

A total of 638,000 urban residents are receiving the minimum living allowance from the government. Social welfare institutions of various types had 19,000 beds by the end of 2008, taking in 14,000 residents under their care.

Summary from the Chinese Government’s Official Web Portal , 21 September 2009

english.gov.cn/2009-09/21/content_1422657.htm

G-News 5 (pdf)

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 13:46:06 GMT

Issue number 5 of the Social Security Extension and Microinsurance Newsletter in pdf format is now available.

In this issue:

Topics related to the global crisis and social security schemes
New features in GESS
News about the extension of social security worldwide
Training
Conferences
New resources in the online library

Download it!

Potentials and challenges of Health Microinsurance schemes - discussed in "Alternatives Internationales" No.44 Sept. 2009

A series of articles in the September 2009 issue of the Journal “Alternatives Internationales” (No. 44, p. 67-74) discusses the role that micro-insurance approaches can play to improve Social Health Protection. The articles provide clear arguments and examples from various countries illustrating the challenge of providing social health protection to poor people in the informal sector under resource constraints. The articles particularly discuss the potential contribution of micro-insurance schemes to help square the circle of running a financially sustainable scheme that provides a benefit package reflecting the needs of the population at affordable contribution rates and reaching a significant part of the population, especially the most poor and vulnerable.

Click here for a summary of the articles

Click here to purchase the articles from Alternatives Internationales (in French)

Active labour market policies protect public health in times of crises

A study on 25 EU countries published in The Lancet recently presents evidence that in times of economic and financial crisis, as unemployment rates rise and people suffer economic hardship, suicide and homocide rates also increase. A rise of 3% in unemployment rates is accompanied by a 4.5% increase in suicides and a 28% increase in deaths from alcohol abuse in the population younger than age 65, indicating the mental distress among workers and families.

The study finds that effects differ from country to country in corellation with different levels of social protection spending. Countries with active labour market policies that invest in job retention, job creation and help unemployed people quickly enter new jobs were unlikely to see mortality rates increase. The study concludes that these active labour programs protect public health during recession better than many other options currently considered by governments such as hospitalization programs or pensions adjustments.

Source: "The public health effect of Economic Crisis and Alternative Policy Responses in Europe: an Empirical Analysis", The Lancet, Volume 374, Issue 9686, Pages 315 - 323, 25 July 2009

Tripartite meeting of experts on social security, ILO (September 2009)

The documents of the "Tripartite meeting of experts on strategies for the extension of social security coverage" organized by the ILO Social Security Department, in Geneva, 2-4 September 2009 are available on line in GESS.

Workshop: "Promoting the Hemispheric Agenda of Decent Work: Expanding the coverage of social protection in Latin America"

From the 16^th to 18^th of September, the workshop: “Promoting the Hemispheric Agenda of Decent Work: Expanding the coverage of social protection in Latin America”, will be held in Brazil, organized by the Secretary of Social Policies under the Ministry of Social Affairs of Brazil, the Brazilian Development Agency under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the International Labour Office, with support from EUROsocial of the European Union.

The event, which will be attended by senior representatives of institutions related to social protection, from Latin America, will be the continuation of the Latin American regional meeting of the International Labour Office, celebrated in Brazil in 2006. In Brazil the Hemispheric Agenda of Decent Work was presented with strategic objectives to promote fundamental standards and principles of work, creating better opportunities for women and men to have decent work and decent wages, improve the coverage and efficiency of social protection for all and to strengthen tripartism and social dialogue.

The Hemispheric Agenda provides several goals for 2015, among which is an increase of 20% in social protection in Latin America. In 2007, the Ministry of Social Affairs of Brazil and the International Labour Organization signed a memorandum of intentions expressing the Brazilian government’s commitment in this area.

The workshop is held in the context of the memorandum of intentions, taking into consideration the cooperation program South-South, with the participation of the Brazilian government, the International Labour Organization and EUROsocial of the European Union. The aim is to discuss ways of collaborating, in order to accelerate the achievement of the goal of 20% extension of social protection coverage in Latin America until 2015 and progress in defining the agenda of the cooperation program South-South.

The Global jobs pact adopted at the 98th meeting of the ILO conference in June 2009, makes reference to Decent work. The pact promotes the extension of employment and social protection , at the center of strategies and policies to overcome the economic crisis.

Newsletter: Social Security Policy Matters

A new issue of the ILO Social Security Department's Newsletter is available online. The newsletter gives information of the origin of the Global Campaign on Social Security and Coverage for All in 2001 and also different articles can be found such as:

Investing in social justice and economic development
Social Health Protection
Setting Social Security Standards in a global society
Can low income countries afford basic social security?

Training: a tool that favours knowledge and experience sharing to extend social protection coverage. Example from Peru's and costa Rica's coffee producers

Article and testimony from the Director General of EsSalud (Peru), Mr Javier Rosas, available in the ILO International Training Centre website.

China: Rural citizens over the age of 60 enjoy universal pension

The new rural pension system is different from the old system in mainly two aspects:

Different funding sources. The new system is contributed by farmers, collective benefits and government subsidy, while the previous one is only by farmers themselves.

China: Medical care reimbursement as high as 6 times of local average wage

The State Council of China recently announced the "Planning on five key points of medical and health system reforms in year 2009", pointing out the maximum medical care reimbursement for the urban workers, urban residents and farmers should be increased to 6 times of the local average wage or earning.

The State Council required the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security to be responsible for the implementation of subsidy (80 Yuan per capita each year) for urban residents and farmers.

The "Planning" targeted to increase health insurance reimbursement rate by 5% for urban workers, urban residents and farmers for 50% of overall medical planning regions; to carry out co-ordination pilots for health insurance reimbursement in 30% of overall medical planning regions; to enhance New Rural Cooperative Medical System nationwide.

China targeted at 90% coverage rate of basic medical insurance in 3 years

In August 2009, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and Ministry of Finance of China jointly issued the "Guiding Opinion on Further Strengthening Fund Management of the Basic Medical Insurance", which sets up the following targets:

to extend coverage of health insurance and increase the collection for health insurance fund
to reach the goal of 90% coverage of basic medical insurance of the population in 3 years
to improve reimbursement of medical expenses for hospital treatments according to the policy
to gradually increase the maximum payment limits for co-ordinating the fund
to solve the basic medical insurance issues of the retirees and employees of the bankruptcy state-owned enterprises and enterprises with financial difficulties.

UN response to the crisis: The international community has committed to advocate for and support the development of a social protection floor (April 4-5, 2009 - Paris).

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 09:15:25 GMT

Social security benefits and public health services act as social, health and economic stabilizers. This is particularly important during the time of the current global economic, financial and food crisis.

In response to the need for social protection in times of crisis and thereafter, the international community has committed to advocate for and support the development of a social protection floor on April 4-5, 2009 in Paris. As the definition transcends the mandate of any individual UN agency, a coherent system-wide approach has been established.

A social protection floor could consist of two main elements:

Services: geographical and financial access to essential public services (such as water and sanitation, health, and education); and
Transfers: a basic set of essential social transfers, in cash and in kind, paid to the poor and vulnerable to provide a minimum income security and access to essential services, including health care.

Regulation for Mutual Benefit Organizations adopted by the WAEMU

The Council of Ministers of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) adopted new regulations for mutual benefit organizations within the WAEMU in its ordinary session in Dakar on 26 June 2009.

The main goal is to implement a uniform, transparent and effective regulatory framework ensuring promotion of mutual benefit organizations (including mutual health organizations) in the WAEMU area.

In addition, the regulations will make it possible to streamline creation, organization and running of this kind of entities and ensure rational risk management, through facilitating access to basic social services for the population of the WAEMU member states.

Each member state should establish an administrative body for mutual benefit organizations, a national registry for such entities and a national guarantee fund aimed at ensuring the rights of the members of mutual benefit organizations.

Source: Press release of the ordinary session of the UEMOA Council of Ministers, Dakar, 26 June 2009.

Nicaragua's Red de Protección Social: Country study

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 13:59:03 GMT

Nicaragua's Red de Protección Social. An exemplary but short-lived conditional cash transfer programme, Country study, C. Moore, International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth, 2008

It investigates the history and eventual conclusion of Nicaragua's conditional cash transfer programme, the Red de Protección Social. Specific features of the programme, in both its first and second phase, are described thoroughly to provide readers with an appropriate understanding and appreciation of the details. It discusses the elements that contributed to the programme's successes and eventual discontinuation.

See the resource in GESS

Health and social protection: Experiencies from Cambodia, China and Lao PDR

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 13:57:30 GMT

Health and social protection: Experiencies from Cambodia, China and Lao PDR, B. Meessen, X. Pei, B. Criel and G. Bloom, eds, 2008.

This book addresses the challenge of applying social protection concepts to health. It explores the challenges of managing pro-poor health system development in the context of these countries' transition to a market economy.

See the resource in GESS

The healthcare system in Colombia: The new mandatory healthcare plan (POS) will address diseases and medical treatment to meet the needs of the population

Until a few months ago the Government was considering a mandatory healthcare plan (POS) structured by pathology. This idea gave rise to a conciliation of viewpoints leading to a hybrid model. The changes to the system are known from conversations with experts who participated in the “16^th International Pharmaceutical Forum" organized by the Colombian Business Association’s (ANDI) Chamber of Pharmaceutical Industry, which ends this Friday.

The idea of restructuring the POS system was confirmed by the Deputy Technical Minister of Social Protection, Carlos Jorge Rodríguez.

Last year, the Constitutional Court’s decision 760 gave the Government a mandate to design a new POS to replace the two former systems. This decision requires the government to clarify the rights contained in the POS of the contributory and subsidized healthcare schemes, as well as to update them.

Under Law No. 100 the systems should have been unfied by 2001. However, “for various reasons this goal was delayed”, said the Director of Demand Management in the Ministry of Social Protection, Leonardo Cubillos.

The President of ACEMI (union of health promotion enterprises), Juan Manuel Diaz-Granados, affirmed that “before the mandatory plans can be updated (including introducing new procedures, materials and medicines and removing obsolete goods) it is necessary to clarify the system”.

According to him, “there is a frenzied tendency to supplementing the POS by throwing in extra services (telemedicine, air ambulance, domestic violence) that are not financed by the UPC (the premium that the health system allows the health promotion enterprises for each of their affiliates)". He also declared that “fundamental human rights sentences require the provision of services that are not included in the POS and therefore not funded, leading the health promotion enterprises to obtain funds from “FOSYGA” (solidarity and guarantee fund).

The former president of the Constitutional Court, José Gregorio Hernández, said that “Decision 760 is not irreversible, and in the future the Court could review, ratify or change it, because it does not have the force of res judicata."

He also said that the decision has not produced the results expected by the judges, adding that now that the Court has six new judges, it has the opportunity to take decision 760 to the chamber for consideration.

At the same time, ha added that "the Government should bring to congress a national statutory bill of health, nationally discussed". in addition, he asid that "decision 760 should not been considered as a constitutional rule, because it was not issued by the court nor is it the result of constitutional contro. " He clarified that the rule was issued by a court, which reviewed the protection of fundamental human rights.

Social pensions: Thai PM guarantees older people's right

The Prime Minister of Thailand, Abhisit Vejjajiva, has declared social pensions a basic human right and says he will seek ways to expand the country's current pension system to deliver income security for all older people.

More information

Ratification of Convention No. 102 by Brazil

Convention No.102 concerning Minimum Standards of Social Security, 1952, has been ratified by Brazil. H. E. José Barroso Pimentel, Minister of State of Social Security of Brazil deposited the ratification instruments on June 15, 2009. The ratification instruments indicate that all nine Parts of the Convention have been ratified.

Zimbabwe: older people lose life savings

Older people in Zimbabwe have lost their life savings after the country's new Unity Government suspended the use of the Zimbabwean dollar. Kate Holt visited older people living in care homes to hear how the economic collapse has affected them.

More information

Livelihoods: the right to Decent Work

Older people have a right to earn a livelihood through decent work, but many work in low-paid jobs that are strenuous and detrimental to their health. Find out about older people and work in a new section of our website.

Read our new report Working for life: making decent work and pensions a reality for older people

A new baby!!

Little Andréa was born last 11 June. Her parents, Simone Rosa & Jan van Damne (former STEP and CODEV colleagues) are happy to share the news with us : )

Mali's National Assembly Votes for Mandatory Health Insurance

On Thursday 11 June, the National Assembly of Mali passed two laws concerning the country’s mandatory health insurance scheme (AMO) and the creation of a national health insurance fund.

The background for implementing this coverage mechanism is a wish to reinforce the national social protection system. Current social protection plans are notoriously flawed, especially with respect to social health protection.

The aim of the health insurance institution is to serve as a substitute for direct payment of premiums by the users as well as to make risk pooling possible and increase creditworthy demand for care, and the beneficiaries will therefore have better access to healthcare.

Around 16.3% of the population (1.95 million persons) will be covered by the AMO, which will have a yearly budget of 22.4 billion CFA Francs funded by the premiums.

Source: L’ESSOR No. 16463, 15 June 2009, http://www.essor.gov.ml

Read the article (in French)

Primary healthcare reform in the Americas

La renovación de la atención primaria en las Américas: Redes Integradas de Servicios de Salud. Conceptos, opciones de política y hoja de ruta para su implementación en las Américas, HSS, PAHO, WHO, 2008

The weak performance of the world’s health systems is increasingly being questioned, and the need to tackle the problem of fragmented health services is therefore increasingly pressing. Experience shows that excessive fragmentation of health services generates difficulties in access to services, lower quality of services, irrational and inefficient use of the available resources, unnecessary increase in production costs and low population satisfaction with the services provided.

Moreover, an aging population, chronic diseases, the challenge of managing co-morbidity and the users’ higher expectations require more systematic and comprehensive solutions to be able to respond more adequately to the population’s needs.

This document presents the Pan American Health Organization and the WHO’s initiative for Integrated Health Service Networks (RISS) and their contribution to improved health services.

See the document (in Spanish)

Everything you always wanted to know about GESS but didn't dare to ask

This short text describes the aims of the GESS platform, gives an overview of the various services and opportunities for exchanging knowledge that the different sections provide and shows how to sign up as a member of the platform.

Download the document

Crises and social security schemes

Since April 2009 a working group of young interns and collaborators from the ILO Social Security Department has been following the impact of the crisis on social security systems and national responses to the challenges posed.

After initial research on more than 60 countries, the working group focused on detailed reports for 13 countries, namely Brazil, Chine, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Russia, the UK, South Africa and the USA. The focus of the research was on the development of contributors and beneficiaries of social security systems, and measures taken in the field of social security as part of the stimulus packages. This sheds some light on the share of crisis relief efforts that are channelled through social security systems as opposed to other measures, and on the extension of existing schemes to cover more people or increase the benefit levels.

Although the impact on countries varies greatly, some preliminary conclusions can be drawn, e.g. that the extension of existing schemes is far more likely than the establishment of new social security systems in times of crisis.

A publication of the country reports and of the trends observed on these countries is planned to be made available on GESS.

MORE INFORMATION:

See the thematic page "Response to the crisis" in GESS
Download the document Pensions & the financial crisis

New features on GESS!

The GESS thematic pages have been enhanced with two new sections with specific information on legislation and statistical data for the subject in question. For instance, for the subject of health you can find international and national legal texts relating to coverage, as well as statistics on healthcare coverage worldwide or at the national level for some countries. For more information, see this news item about the theme page legislation and statistics sections.

Also, in the latest G-News issue, No. 5, there is a short presentation of the features that GESS currently offers for sharing and managing knowledge. For more information, see the news item "Everything you always wanted to know about GESS but didn't dare to ask" in the E-Events section and download the document.

Coverage Extension to Independent and Self-Emplyed Workers in Honduras

The Honduran Social Security Institute (IHSS) has approved the regulations for the special scheme and progressive affiliation of independent and self-employed workers. With this landmark law, the IHSS has repaid a 50-year old debt, as this group has been without social protection due to the lack of a law including it in the country’s social security system.

To a great extent, this achievement is the result of the good practices learned through courses held by the ILO in strategies for extending social protection to self-employed workers, persons working at home and migrant workers and in social security policy development and management in Latin America.

The number of independent and self-employed workers is increasing, with figures from the 2008 ILO Labour Overview showing that out of every 10 new jobs, 8 are in the informal sector. Independent and self-employed workers currently constitute 52% of the Honduran workforce, i.e., more than 1,516,290 persons, according to INE data from 2008. This renders it urgent to expand IHSS coverage to historically unprotected groups.

More information

2nd International Forum: "Crisis Response: Social and Solidarity-Based Economy"

On 18 March 2009 the second International Forum “Crisis Response: Social and Solidarity-Based Economy” was organized by the Mexican Chamber of Deputies Commission for Promotion of Cooperativism and Social Economy and the Senate Economic Commission, in cooperation with the Mexican Solidarity Enterprise Council (CMEES), Social Union of Mexican Business Owners (USEM) and Ibero-American Social Economy Foundation (FUNDIBES).

Experts from Spain, France, Costa Rica, the Mexican Parliament, the Mercosur Specialized Organization, the Government of Brazil and the Uruguayan Parliament held presentations, along with members of parliaments, academics, members of the Mexican Government and experts from the social and solidarity-based economy private sector.

The Forum was divided in four panels, and its main goal was to evaluate the impact of social economy as a crisis response, as well as to improve the conditions for consideration of adequate public policies and an adequate legal framework for promotion of social and solidarity-based economy in Mexico, in compliance with article 25 of the country’s constitution.

More information

The ILO promotes Convention No. 169 in Paraguay

Paraguay (ILO News). Forced labour and implementation of Convention No. 169 in Paraguay were the main subjects of a series of events that took place recently in Paraguay to promote detailed knowledge of this Convention and the main implications of applying it in the country. On 12 May the seminar “Forced labour and Convention No. 169: implementation for members of parliament” was held in the National Congress bicameral hall. It was organized by the Network against all Forms of Discrimination, with support from the ILO, the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Members of parliament from the various parties were present at the event, which had the following main goals: promote knowledge of the resolutions of Convention No. 169 and experiences from applying it in other countries in the region and explore the possibility to create a parliamentary action plan that would contribute to carrying out popular consultations prior to considering bills that would affect the country’s indigenous peoples.

On the following day, 13 May, a seminar on this subject was held in Chaco, for the first time in Paraguay’s history. The Minister of Justice and Labour, Humberto Blasco, and the Deputy Minister of Labour, Raúl Mongelós attended the meeting, as well as two experts from the ILO, Guillermo Pérez, International Expert at the ILO Subregional Office for the South Cone of Latin America and Christian Ramos, expert in international standards at the ILO office in Brasilia, and the Paraguayan Director of Labour, Filemón del Valle. It should be highlighted that indigenous leaders and representatives of the private and public sectors and civil society were also present, and took part in the discussions of the subject.

In the seminar, the report on forced labour published recently by the ILO was discussed, and specific actions taken by the Government in response to the ILO’s observations were pointed out. The actions include creating a national programme for indigenous peoples and establishing a commission on basic work rights and prevention of forced labour, which received ILO support in its establishment.

Finally, on 14 May, a seminar organized by the ILO and the Paraguayan national commission on basic rights and forced labour took place in Asunción, focusing on the recently published ILO report “The cost of coercion” and analysis of the experiences of Brazil in order to design a project plan. Among the participants of the seminar were the Paraguayan Minister of Justice and Labour, Humberto Blasco, Guillermo Pérez, international expert at the ILO Subregional Office for the South Cone of Latin America and Luis Machado, the ILO official in charge of the project on forced labour in Brazil.

Source: ILO Subregional Office for the South Cone of Latin America.

New! GESS is interviewing social security experts and specialists, so that they can share their knowledge and experience in extending social security to the excluded populations in various countries in the world

The first interview to be published online is with John Woodall, who is a Senior Social Security Specialist with the Social Security Department (SEC/SOC) at the International Labour Office in Geneva, Switzerland.

John has extensive experience in providing support to pension reform in Africa and Asia. In this interview he explains the advantages of transforming provident funds into defined benefit schemes. He also gives a detailed description of past and ongoing SEC/SOC technical cooperation activities in Sri Lanka in the field of social security.

See the interview with John Woodall

The second interview is with Alejandro Bonilla, who is Manager of the ILO Social Security Department's Education, Training and Capacity Building (ETCB) Group.

Alejandro describes the actuarial evaluation of Panama's pension scheme, from which interesting lessons can still be drawn although it took place several years ago. They includ the experience that any technical project in the field of social security is useless unless there is a national consensus on implementing it. A participative process that includes all policy makers, technical stakeholders and employers' and workers' representatives is therefore a key factor for success, as is communication about the project towards a general public.

See the interview with Alejandro Bonilla

Microinsurance Innovation Facility, STEP and Microinsurance Network have launched a survey to identify the current claims models in health microinsurance schemes. Preliminary results

As part of the current study conducted on Third Party Payment (TPP) mechanism in health microinsurance schemes (HMI) in developing countries, the objective of this short survey was to contribute to the mapping of existing claims models in health microinsurance schemes as well as to identify potential candidates for in-depth case studies to illustrate lessons learned related to the design and management of TPP mechanism in HMI.

The survey was addressed to practitioners and has been launched through the several health microinsurance networks in Africa, Asia and Latin America related to the ILO's Microinsurance Innovation Facility, the ILO's STEP programme and the Microinsurance Network's working group on health insurance.

After data cleaning, the answers of 79 health microinsurance schemes have been analysed. 57% of the respondents are located in Africa, 36% in Asia and few of them in Latin America. As expected, preliminary results show that most of the health microinsurance schemes (58%) have set up a third party payment mechanism (cashless claim model) in order to alleviate financial barriers for insured when they need to access health care services. Nearly 23% did not develop a third party payment mechanism and are directly reimbursing the insured patients. The remaining 19% have adopted a mixed claim model with both reimbursement to the insured and payment to the health providers (TPP) depending on the health services covered and on the contracted health providers.

Complete findings from this short survey will be detailed in the study report that will also present different options for TPP, lessons learnt and solutions developed by practitioners in schemes with TPP with regards to: contracting, provider payment mechanism, quality of care monitoring, claim management procedures, etc.

This article gives the working group the opportunity to thank all practitioners who have answered the survey on TPP.

China issued 2008 annual statistical report on Social Security Development

On May 19, Department of Human Resources and Social Security and National Bureau of Statistics of China issued jointly "2008 Annual Statistical official Report on Human Resources and Social Security Development".

The report showed that in 2008 there were 5.12 million farmers received pensions, an increase of 0.2 million people over the previous year. A total of 5.68 billion yuan (about 0.83 billion USD) was paid out as pension, an increase of 42% over year 2007. Till the end of 2008, 55,950,000 people participated in the rural pension insurance scheme, increased by 4,240,000 compared to year 2007. Year-end rural pension fund balance was 49.9 billion yuan (about 7.3 billion USD); 1201 counties in 27 provinces has carried out social security projects for the farmers whose land has been acquired by government, of whom 13,240,000 had been covered by the basic living support system or pension insurance system.

Till end 2008, 218,910,000 workers joined urban basic pension insurance, an increase of 17.54 million, among which 165.87 million were current workers and 53.04 million were retirees, an increase of 14.04 million and 3.5 million respectively. 24,160,000 migrant rural workers were protected by basic pension insurance, an increase of 5,700,000. The benefices of basic pension insurance for retirees of enterprises had been raised and paid out on time and in full. Besides, 33,000 enterprises had established pension schemes to cover a total of 10,380,000 employees and the enterprise pension funds accumulated 191.1 billion yuan (about 27.9 billion USD) by the end of 2008.

10 years serving the African Mutual Health Organizations

This brochure presents the work the Concertation network has carried out with health mutuals in Africa over a ten-year period (1998-2008).

La Concertation was inititally created to provide actors of mutuals with a space for sharing their knowledge and experiences, in order to support the development of the mutualist movement. Currently, the network links more than 150 member organizations (local, regional, national and international), is active in more than 14 French-speaking African countries and its website has over 1,300 users from all over the world.

Health and social protection: experiences from Cambodia, China and Lao PDR

The POVILL project was designed to both contribute to ongoing efforts to design policy responses to the challenge of sickness-related poverty and contribute to efforts to develop a systematic understanding of healthpoverty linkages and the role of government initiatives in helping households cope.This book focus on the case of Cambodia, China and Lao PDR and brings together the thinking behind the POVILL approach and presents some preliminary findings with the aim of opening discussions with policy makers and health policy researchers. This marks the beginning of a consortium strategy for contributing to policy processes, which will intensify in 2009.

Download the document from ITG Press
Download the document from Povill

Costing of basic social protection benefits for Nepal 2007-2034

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 13:44:19 GMT

Nepal. Technical note. Affordable and not an Illusion. Costing of basic social protection benefits for Nepal 2007-2034, ILO, Social Security Department, 2009

This study presents an estimate on the feasibility of providing a set of basic social protection interventions in Nepal with an emphasis on child related benefits. The preparation of the report stemmed from UNICEF Nepal's interest in proposals to strengthen the provision of cash transfers. The aim of the proposal is to determine the cost of a set of social security measures that could be made available to the population of Nepal with a view to providing some economic and social stability to the population in the wake of a return to peace.

Download the study

Social Security for All. Investing in social justice and economic development

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 22:00:00 GMT

This paper sets out the policy vision of the ILO that underpins its activities in the context of the Global Campaign on Social Security and Coverage for All. The objective of this policy briefing is to contribute to the global debate between social security stakeholders, researchers, practitioners and decision-makers as to how to provide a meaningful form of social security to the majority of the world's population and to ensure that the human right to social security can be made a reality in the shortest possible time.

Download the ressource

Chinese government granted 6.284 billion USD to insure retirees of the bankruptcy state-owned enterprises

The executive meeting of China State Council on May 6th made the decision to solve the health care insurance issues for retirees of the shutdown or bankruptcy state-owned enterprises.

Before end of 2009, all the retirees of the bankruptcy state owned enterprises are to be covered by the basic urban worker medical insurance system. For the uninsured retirees of bankruptcy collective-owned enterprises and enterprises with financial difficulties, the government will also take measures to solve their health insurance problems. The central government will provide 42.9 billion Yuan (about 6.284 billion USD) for this project and it also requires the implementations and additional funds from local governments.

It was pointed out that to the decision is crucial in deepening China Health Care Reform and in promoting basic medical insurance system for urban citizens. Also it helps to expand domestic demand, stimulate consumption and improve people's life in the current international financial crisis.

Creation of ACYM reference network in Argentina

Under the direction of the ILO, the Red de Referentes (reference network) for the ACYM (cooperatives and mutuals in the Americas) and GESS (Global Extension of Social Security) platforms was established in Argentina.

A workshop was held on May 8 with this aim, in the new Federada Salud offices in Buenos Aires, to provide training in the new IT tool and facilitate registering users who would be in charge of information exchange between social economy organizations in Argentina and the rest of Latin America.

The host was the FAMSA President, Dr. José M. Garriga, and the workshop was coordinated by Victoria Giroud-Castiella from Geneva, Switzerland, STEP information specialist, and Brenda Rial from Montevideo, Uruguay, coordinator for ACYM in South America.

The participants were officials and directors from FAMSA (Argentine federation of health mutuals), FAESS (Argentine federation of health solidarity entities). Río Uruguay Seguros Coop. Ltda, AAC/MIS (association of insurance cooperatives and mutuals in the Americas), the Rosario association of lawyers and IAIES-CIRIEC (Argentine institute for social economic research and international centre for research in and information on political, social and cooperative economy).

During the workshop all the participants worked online, connected to the GESS and ACYM platforms, adequate receiving training to be able to put it into practice subsequently.

At the end of the workshop, Dr. Garriga expressed his gratitude to the ILO for having selected Argentina as the seat for the project, which aims to extend social protection coverage worldwide, through action by cooperatives and mutuals.

Experience on Abhaya Hastham shared by Indian government at recent World Bank Seminar

Recently in a seminar held by the South Asia Agriculture and Rural Development Unit, and the Insurance for the Poor Program in the Financial and Private Sector Development of the World Bank, Andhra Pradesh (India) government shared its experience on co-contributory pensions for the poor in the unorganized sector, which is the world's largest co-contributory pension scheme for the poor in the unorganized sector.

The newly enacted program, called Abhaya Hastham, is a Co-Contributory Pension Scheme for women above the age group of 18, and it is targeted towards women belonging to the self-help groups in the state. The scheme envisages contribution at the rate of 1 rupee per day or Rs360 (US$7.5) per year by SHG women and government's co-contribution is capped at Rs360 (or US$7.5) per member per year, and it expects to enroll more than 6 million SHG Women members by December 2009.

Resource on non-contributory pensions in Peru

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 12:20:15 GMT

Envejecimiento con Dignidad: Pensiones no contributivas para reducir la pobreza en el Perú, F. Clark, W. Mendoza De Souza, F. Durán Valverde, G. Picado Chacón, E. Morón, M. Rostagno, F. Arnillas Lafert, C. Sánchez Reyes; Caritas Peru, UNFPA, HelpAge International, MCLCP and ILO, 2009

In view of the failure of contributory social security programmes to provide protection, non-contributory pensions represent the only hope of securing a minimum economic support for millions of elderly persons. Nevertheless, Peru has not yet managed to establish a non-contributory pension scheme.
In order to deal with this problem, the present publication presents five articles written by experts with different training and experience, all pertaining to the debate about the fiscal viability and utility of non-contributory pensions in the family economy, as well as in poverty reduction.

The book was presented at a special event in the International Labour Organization (ILO) Auditorium on April 21 by the Coordination Table for the Fight Against Poverty (Mesa de Concertación de Lucha contra la Pobreza (MCLCP)) and the organizations that participated in its creation: the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the International Labour Organization (ILO), Caritas Peru and HelpAge International. The text was commented upon by a panel made up of the Minister of Women and Social Development, Carmen Vildoso, the Minister of Labour and Social Assistance, Jorge Villasante, the Ombudsman, Beatriz Merino and the former Minister of Economy and Finance, Pedro Pablo Kuczynski. Former government officials, important Peruvians and more than 150 guests also attended.

Consult the book in GESS

Implementation Plan of China Health Care System Reform (2009-2011)

In April 2009, five programs on deepening the China Health Care System Reform are issued by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council with input of about 124 billion U.S. dollars from year 2009 to 2011.

· Accelerate the establishment of the basic medical security system.

· Preliminarily set up the national essential medicines system.

· Improve the grass-roots health care services system.

· Gradually press ahead with the equalization of basic public health services.

· Push forward pilot projects for public hospital reform.

Find out more: Implementation Plan for the Recent Priorities of the Health Care System Reform (2009-2011)

Chinese central government unveils opinions on deepening health care system reform

The CPC Central Comittee and the State Council of China put out the opinions on deepening the health care system reform following the 17th CPC National Congress, with the goal of rasing the health level and providing basic health care service to every Chinese people.

The opinions include 5 parts:

· Fully recognizing the importance, urgency and arduousness of deepening the health care system reform

· The guidelines, basic principles and overall goal of deepening the health care system reform

· Improving four major health care systems and establishing the basic health care system covering urban and rural residents

· Improving institutional mechanism, ensuring effective and well regulated operations of the health care system

· Concentrating on five key reform projects and striving to achieve remarkable results in the near future

New programme "Access to Insurance Initiative" (A2II)

ILO/STEP has recently joined a new programme called "Access to Insurance Initiative" (A2II) together with the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) and Microinsurance Network.

The A2II is made up of several partners (international organizations, the French federation of mutuals, insurance companies, foundations and development agencies). Its main goal is to develop and implement guidelines for insurance market regulations and supervision, in order to improve the access of the poorest people to this market. A2II will also facilitate sharing of knowledge, experiences and information about the role of regulations and supervision in improving access to insurance. A document on regulation and supervision of mutuals and micro-insurance in emerging countries is currently being drafted.

Find out more:

AIM and ILO took part in an important meeting on "The Financing of Health Systems and Health Risk Coverage in Developing Countries," organized by the European Commission

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 10:33:32 GMT

The Association international de la mutualité (AIM) and the International Labour Office (ILO) took part in an important meeting organized by the European Commission on 23-24 March 2009 on the theme "The Financing of Health Systems and Health Risk Coverage in Developing Countries." At this meeting, AIM took a position on the role of the mutual benefit society in universal health protection systems. More info

The ILO/Brazil Multi-annual Partnership Agreement 2009 - 2011 signed

The Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil has signed a new Partnership Agreement with the ILO for the promotion of South-South cooperation in Latin America and African countries.

The Government of the Federal Republic of Brazil and the ILO signed The week of 20 March 2009, represented by the Director-General of the ILO and by the Ambassador Nazareth Farani , the Partnership Complementary Agreement for the promotion of South-South cooperation, which through a triangular mechanism ( ILO- Government of Brazil- Partner Developing Countries) will provide support to the achievement of Decent Work outcomes in Latin America and African countries. This represents a complementary adjustment to the 1987 Cooperation Agreement between Brazil and African and Latin American countries.

The Complementary agreement includes some features such as sharing of technical cooperation between developing countries on the field of Decent Work promotion, through inter-institutional agreements, such as the programmes led by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ministry of Social Security, Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Foreign Affair, with their counterparts in other Latin American and African countries. These activities will be done in close cooperation with workers and employers organisations.

Link to the Partnership Agreement (english version / portuguese version)
Link to the press release

Two events about the Bolsa Família programme took place on 18 and 19 March, in the framework of the 304th Session of the ILO's Governing Body

"Bolsa Família Programme: Context, concept, impacts and links with employment policies", Session of the Committee on Employment and Social Policy, Wednesday 18 March, 10:30-13:00, ILO Governing Body room. See the flyer

"Linking Social Protection and Employment Policies in the Decent Work Agenda: the case of Bolsa Família", Thursday 19 March, 9:30-11:00Room VII - Level R3 South. See the flyer

Video of professor Joseph Stiglitz addressing ILO's Governing Body. Part of his speech on social security in the context of economic crisis, March 12 2009, Geneva

In this part of his speech, professor Stiglitz explains how social security can be an automatic stabilizer for the economy, limiting negative effects in time of crisis:

Click here to watch the full speech

Read profesor Stiglitz's article "The global crisis, social protection and jobs", in the International Labour Review, Vol. 148 (2009), No. 1-2

Is universal coverage within reach? Health protection project in Sierra Leone

In spring 2008, the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) of Sierra Leone requested ILO technical assistance for the introduction of a social health insurance scheme. NASSIT had previously conducted a social security needs survey that identified health care as an urgent priority of the population, especially of the poor. As a result, the government is strongly committed to improve the currently poor health status of the population through the development of a health protection scheme covering the whole population. This is an important step for Sierra Leone's post-war recovery after the devastating civil war between 1991 and 2002.

In response to the request by NASSIT, the ILO review is currently under way: Preliminary assessment of health insurance options for Sierra Leone. An assessment mission was carried out in September 2008 with a view to identify health-financing options for the population. The mission particularly analysed social health protection needs in rural areas and considered the situation of informal economy workers who form 92 % of the working population. The findings are presented in a draft project report proposing to set up a national health protection scheme along the following lines:

The proposed national health insurance scheme would capitalize on the success of NASSIT as a highly appreciated pension scheme through co-branding and be called NASHI (National Social Health Insurance). NASHI should be an independent organization working closely together with NASSIT to exploit economies of scale e.g. for registration, issuing of membership cards, complaints processing etc. This solution would also allow the new organization to benefit from the expertise and know-how of NASSIT staff.

User fees for health services would be abolished in order to allow everyone to access health care for free at the point of delivery for a clearly defined limited benefit package. To address the interrelation of health costs and poverty, the proposed benefit package includes health services that could cause catastrophic expenditure to households and push people into poverty. Different sources would finance the benefit package:

Formal economy workers would contribute 2 % of their salary and employers would add another 4 %.
The very poor, representing approx. 34 % of the population, as well as (expecting) mothers would be exempted from contributions
All other adults would pay a lump sum of 10.000 Leone per year.
Funds for public and curative health care that local councils currently receive from the Ministry of Finance should be redirected to the financing of the new scheme.
2 % of the 15 % of GST / VAT
Earmarked taxes on mobile phone use, tobacco and alcohol consumption

Through this particular combination of resources, the achievement of universal coverage and affordable health care could come into reach for Sierra Leone's people. Primary health care would be provided on a capitation base and limited secondary health care on a fee-for-service base. Public health care as well as tertiary health care will remain responsibilities of the Ministry of Health and not be included in the benefit package. As formal sector employees are going to contribute considerably more to the scheme than others, they will receive a gold member card. This will allow them to skip the planned referral system and access specialized services directly.

The government is eager to move forward and implement the scheme. As a next step, a high-level multi-stakeholder conference will take place early February 2009 to present the report and discuss further steps with stakeholders. It is currently foreseen to start the scheme in selected districts which will be identified through a feasibility study to take place early 2009.

Bill on Social Security for Unorganized Sector Workers Passed in India

New Delhi. On 18 December, the Lok Sabha, one of the two chambers of the Indian Parliament, passed the "Unorganized Sector Workers' Social Security Bill," which aims at building a social security system for unorganized workers. The Bill had already been passed by the Rajya Sabha, the other chamber of the Parliament.

Atelier sur les retours d'expérience en matière de mise en place de systèmes nationaux d'assurance maladie en Afrique subsaharienne, Abidjan, 10-12 décembre 2008

On December 10, 11 and 12, a workshop on "experiences drawn from implementing national health insurance systems in Sub-Saharan Africa" was organized jointly by the Ivorian Ministry of Family, Woman and Social Affairs, the ILO STEP programme and the cabinet: STR@TEC-ARC. The workshop brought together social and technical partners from the Congo, Gabon, Mauritania, Mali and Burkina Faso. The main goal was for the Ivorian party to draw inspiration from the other countries' experiences, in order to formulate new ideas concerning the new framework for the Ivorian Universal Health Insurance project.

Installation officielle des membres du comité de pilotage du système national d'assurance maladie

Le jeudi 12 mars a eu lieu, à Ouagadou au Burkina Faso, la cérémonie d'installation des membres du comité de pilotage du projet de mise en place d'un système national d'assurance maladie. Cette cérémonie était présidée par Monsieur Jérôme BOUGOUMA, Ministre du Travail et de la Sécurité sociale, en présence de représentants de l'Etat, des partenaires sociaux, et des partenaires techniques et financiers. Cette cérémonie a été suivi d'un atelier (12 et 13 mars 2009)de présentation et de validation du schéma d'assurance maladie avec l'appui du programme STEP du BIT.

Issue 4 of QUATRAIN-NEWS is available on line

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Issue number 4 of QUATRAIN-NOTICIAS has just been released. This is the newsletter of the ILO training programme on quantitative methods applied to social protection in the Americas. It is jointly produced by the Social Security Department (Geneva), the International Training Centre (Turin) and the ILO Programme in Latin America and the Caribbean (Lima).

Beijing becomes the first region to develop two old-age pension schemes applied equally to both urban and rural residents

At the end of 2007, the Beijing Municipal Government introduced two new pension schemes: the New Rural Pensions and the Old-age Pensions for the Elderly Residents without any pension on their own (a sort of social pension). One year later, a total of 1.1 million rural people, accounting for 84 percent of the target population, were insured under the first, whilst the second provided fully government-sponsored social pension to all those beyond the prescribed ages but with no pension entitlement to any social insurance pension schemes. Together with other efforts, the year 2008 sets a new record for the number of people insured under the state pension schemes: 10.22 million in total.
However, it was found that there were still two groups of people, though relatively small, left outside the pension system:
* a)working-age urban residents with no regular income and no old-age insurance, the number of whom is estimated at about 100 000;
* b)female residents above working-age (51-59 years for the urban women and 56-59 for the rurals), also numbering around 100 000.

To address this exclusion issue, the Beijing Municipal Government decided to modify the current old-age pension system on 1 January 2009, in order to:
* a) convert the New Rural Pensions into an Old-age Pension Scheme for both Urban and Rural Residents and thus provide coverage for all women aged 55 and below and all men aged 60 and below in those two excluded groups;
* b) extend the Old-Age Pensions for the Elderly Residents to the rest of them in the two excluded groups, i.e., the female residents aged between 56 and 59.

These innovative policies have had two important implications:
* a) the statutory old-age pension system of the Beijing Municipality has been fully established institutionally, so that all local inhabitants aged 16 and above (students excluded) should be protected against old-age contingency by one of the four schemes;
* b) two of the four schemes, i.e., that for elderly urban and rural residents with no pensions and that for working-age urban and rural residents, are applied to all qualified people regardless of their urban or rural status, which helps to sway the deep-rooted barrier between the rural and urban.

Source: 记者代丽丽: 北京率先实现城乡居民养老保险一体化,2009年01月05日北京晚报 http://news.xinhuanet.com/politics/2009-01/05/content_10606511.htm

Lancement de la mutuelle sociale de Kombissiri

La mutuelle sociale de Kombissiri a officiellement débuté ses activités le 07 mars 2009 lors d'une cérémonie présidée par le Haut Commissaire de la Province du Basega.

Health Micro-Insurance in Africa

The project "Pro MHI Africa" supports health micro-insurance units in three African countries and develops training material for students and micro-insurance staff. On the basis of scientific outcomes, a university network (Botswana, Germany, Ghana and Malawi) prepares a relevant curriculum for students who will become policy makers for the expanding (micro-)insurance markets. The project is funded by the European Union Edulink programme .

Please visit the MHI website for further information and the latest findings.

The Impact of Law No. 100 in Colombia

15 years after the approval of Law No. 11 in Colombia in 1993, it is time to assess its impact on the lives and health of the people of Colombia. Detractors say that the law gave way to a brutal capitalism in the health field, with large intermediary companies, closing down of many public hospitals, worsened health conditions and weakened public health, and ruining of doctors. Some of these complaints may be warranted, but in general they lack objectivity and scientific evidence. Objective analysis shows positive results, although some failures exist. Law No. 100 is the product of two somewhat contradictory political and legal phenomena, just like the Constitution of 1991 and the opening of the market, with clear tendencies against privatization.

Statistics show that over the past 15 years, the population's health has been improving, owing not exclusively to insurance but to several factors. It would not be fair to ignore that today 35 million people have health insurance and over 40 million have access to health services through affiliation with one of the two schemes, being linked to or protected by a special scheme. There is no doubt that equality has increased, as illustrated by Colombia's first place in the World Health Report in this aspect. Today, there are more than 40 competing insurance companies, all under regulations and control and more than 15 000 healthcare providers, including approximately 1000 registered and certified hospitals and clinics, and employing around 500 000 people, of which 40 000 are general doctors and specialists.

Economically, the health sector is one of Colombia's most important ones, with a 20 trillion pesos annual budget. The international academic world and international experts consider Colombia's health system as one of the world's most advanced and efficient, although it is acknowledged that it contains weaknesses and is not perfect.

Shutting down the General System for Social Health Insurance (SGSSS), as some have suggested, would be foolish and impardonable, as this would mean a return to all the failures that existed at the time Law No. 100 came into effect. It is necessary to improve and evolve continually, correct failures and anomalies, finding the ultimate productivity and efficiency, guarantee quality, attain coverage for the entire population regardless of the financial situation of the users, speeding up payments, avoid crime against social security and control the entire operation. All of this is possible without introducing new laws and with a minimum of regulation.

Article from La República

Ratification of Convention No. 102 by Bulgaria

Convention No. 102 concerning Minimum Standards of Social Security, 1952, was ratified by Bulgaria on July 14, 2008. Bulgaria has accepted parts II, III, V, VI, VII, VIII and X.

Extension of social security to BPL workers. Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana Planning Situation

Within the framework of the new Minimum Social Security Programme targeting unorganized workers, the Government of India released the guidelines to the implementation of a new health insurance scheme called Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), encouraging various State Governments to implement it. The scheme targets in its first phase workers living below the poverty line and their families - about 300 million people. Responding positively, almost all State Governments in India are now committed to be part of this Central Government sponsored initiative, and 11 States have started preparing for the implementation process. By January 2009 more than 1.5 million people had already been enrolled.

Read the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana Planning Situation
Read an analysis of the first enrolment phase of RSBY in the State of Haryana
Visit the RSBY website

Improving Mongolian Social Health Insurance through social dialogue

Ulan Bator, Mongolia. Since 2006, the ILO has been active in addressing the challenges facing the Mongolian social health insurance system. Due to the unique situation in Mongolia, where benefits from the social health insurance system have been curtailed due to a lack of collaboration and coordination among key stakeholders, the ILO has focused on creating social dialogue in the field of social health insurance. In Mongolia, poorly coordinated health and public sector management laws and regulations create barriers rather than promoting social health insurance development. These challenges can be defined as decreasing coverage of social health insurance, inadequately defined health insurance services and benefit packages, unmet needs and expectations of the insured regarding quality of health insurance services and the like.

Working together with the GTZ, WHO and ADB on strengthening the coordination between various stakeholders in Mongolia, the ILO initiated a business meeting of the GTZ-ILO-WHO Consortium on Social Health Protection in 2006 in Copenhagen with the aim of strengthening social health insurance in Mongolia by increasing political support and commitment for implementing social health insurance reforms, strengthening national capacity and developing an inter-sector collaborative mechanism involving key stakeholders. The ILO-GTZ-WHO-ADB collaboration in Mongolia resulted in four workshops to delineate the reforms needed to improve the social health insurance system there. In the conference which followed the workshops, entitled "Strengthening the Capacity and Multi-Sector Collaboration to Improve Social Health Insurance in Mongolia" and held in Ulan Bator on 28 and 29 April, 2008, the ILO provided insight on "Global experiences with health insurance" and "Multi-sector collaboration and consensus-building for Mongolian health insurance reform".

As a result of discussions held between various ministries, the above-mentioned international organizations and other stakeholders the Minister of Social Welfare and Labour stressed the urgency and importance of reforming the SHI and requested ILO support on strengthening the sustainability of the Health Insurance Fund with a view to improving quality of health services and customer satisfaction, reviewing the management and institutional structure of the SHI, and improving the health management information system. In addition, the State Secretary of the MoSWL requested assistance from the ILO on building capacity regarding the administration and management of Social Health Insurance, developing a communication strategy on the principles, functioning and reform of Social Health Insurance, increasing awareness about Social Health Insurance among the public, reaching an agreement on a common understanding of reform issues, achieving consensus on a reform proposal addressing the above issues, and introducing reforms on a pilot basis for 3 years through a consensus building approach.

The above requests, which were built upon the ILO's work in Mongolia, resulted in a project on social health insurance.

Resolution adopted at the 63rd session of the United Nations General Assembly: ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization

This resolution calls for the implementation of the Declaration and requests the UN System organizations, including the international financial institutions, to mainstream the goal of decent work in their policies, programmes and activities through promotion of an integrated approach.

60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

On December 10, 2008 the 60th Anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human rights was commemorated and the UN launched a new annual campaign for "Dignity and Justice for all of us".

Proposal for reforming the Chinese health system approved and CNY 850 billion to be invested

Both the "Opinions on deepening the health system reform" and the "Implementation plan for deepening the health system reform over 2009-2011" were reviewed and approved by the State Council on 21 January 2009. Five objectives have been set out:

- All of the population, urban and rural, will have been legally covered by the basic health protection system by 2011;

- 90% of the targeting groups of the population will have actually participated in the rural health insurance schemes and in the health insurance for urban inactive persons with no other health insurance by 2011;

- The level of fiscal subsidies will have been raised, by 2010, to CNY 120 per person per year for all people insured under either the rural health insurance schemes or the health insurance for urban inactive persons with no other health insurance;

- All basic medicaments will have been included in the list of reimbursable medicaments by 2011;

- Starting from 2009, uniformed health dossier will be established nationwide for each insured person;

- The Government will have invested a total of CNY 850 billion in health.

Source: "国务院通过医改方案 3年内预计投入8500亿元". 2009年01月21日, 新华网 http://news.xinhuanet.com/newscenter/2009-01/21/content_10698250.htm

MIGSEC project on « Extending Social Security for Migrant Workers in Africa »(2008-2010)

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:04:42 GMT

Migrant workers are often prevented from obtaining coverage by social security schemes. They risk the loss of entitlement to social security benefits in their country of origin due to their absence, and may at the same time encounter restrictive conditions under the social security system of the host country.

An important means to overcome these disadvantages is the establishment of bilateral or multilateral social security agreements. Their objective is to coordinate two or more national social security schemes in cases where migrant workers have worked in at least two countries.

The promotion of such bilateral or multilateral social security agreements is the main objective of the MIGSEC project being implemented from 2008 to 2010. The project is financially supported by the German government and is implemented by the ILO Regional Office in Africa in close cooperation with the ILO Migration Programme and the Social Security Department in Geneva.

More information

Rwanda launches a social security reform

Thu, 26 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The Rwandan Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning released documents finalising a project on "Rationalising delivery of social security benefits services to be delivered under one institution" in December 2008. Under the existing social security system in Rwanda the management was fragmented with pension and occupational risks branches being administered by the Social Security Fund of Rwanda and medical insurance being managed under La Rwandaise d'Assurance Maladie (RAMA) and Military Medical Insurance (MMI). The project is to merge social security institutions and to gather all the social security protection provisions under the administration of one single national body to be called Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB), in order to improve governance and efficiency and to reduce public expenditure.

IHP+Ministerial Review

On 5 February, the signatories of the Global Compact of the International Health Partnership and related initiatives (IHP+) met in Geneva to review the progress made so far and plan future activities. For more information, see the communiqué.

Belgium continues partnership with ILO to extend social security and promote social dialogue

On 9 December 2008, the Minister of Development Cooperation of Belgium, Mr. Charles Michel, signed an agreement with the International Labour Office (ILO) for new grants of €6 million and €2.4 respectively to extend social security to vulnerable populations and promote social dialogue in French-speaking Africa. More information

ISSA Regional Social Security Forum for Africa

Regional Social Security Forum for Africa has been held in Kigali, from 18 to 20 November 2008, at the invitation of the Social Security Fund of Rwanda. ISSA website - Forum ISSA

Providing for Health (P4H) Meeting 22-23 January 2009

Providing for Health (P4H) is an extended cooperation of the GTZ-ILO-WHO Consortium on social health protection and involves the ILO, WHO, WB, GTZ and AFD as key actors. P4H is an initiative that supports countries to strengthen their health systems through social health protection with a particular focus on the poor. A P4H business meeting took place in Geneva 22/23 of January to discuss the operational plan for 2009. For more information on P4H, see the flyer.

Co-contributory Pension scheme (MicroPension) in INDIA by State Government of Andhra Pradesh for 12 Million Self Help Groups (SHG) women

The state Government of Andhra Pradesh (India) has announced a new scheme implemented in February 2009 by the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) for over 12 Million SHG women (age group of 18-55 years). The scheme is a statewide co-contributory pension scheme through Indira Kranthi Patham (IKP). In the scheme, a woman contributes INR30 ($0.8) per month and gets an equal contribution from the Government into her Individual Retirement Account (IRA). After attaining retirement age, i.e. 60 years, she gets a pension amount depending upon the amount of savings and duration. It has also been announced by the Chief Minister that each woman will get a minimum monthly pension amount of INR500 ($10.25) through this scheme.

See the profile of India in GESS

Compulsory health insurance: The battle of Sékou Diakité for a scheme

Mali’s Ministry of Social Development has requested the Technical Union of Mutuality in Mali to conduct a feasibility study for a health mutual for migrant families residing in some twenty villages in the Kayes region. The aim of the study is to evaluate the population’s potential participation in the process of establishing a health mutual. It is possible that the initiative will be extended to other regions. Also, in April, the National Assembly will vote on a bill that will make the country’s health insurance scheme mandatory.

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New Resource online. Health Insurance In Low-Income Countries: Where Is The Evidence That It Works?

Joint NGO Briefing Paper: Oxfam International, Action for Global Health, Médecins du Monde, Save the Children UK, Plan, Global Health Advocates, Act Up Paris, 2008

This joint NGO briefing paper provides a critical analysis of different forms of health insurance as mechanisms for the financing and provision of healthcare coverage to people living in poverty.

In view of the current debates on the role of health insurance as a key means of financing healthcare in low-income countries, this paper urgesfor caution on the part of donors and governments; arguing that if a government fails to implement the necessary accompanying measures and to mobilise adequate resources, health insurance mechanisms may even have an adverse effect on the equity and efficiency of healthcare schemes.

This paper suggests that the current practice of assessing insurance schemes in terms of the advantages they bring to their particular membership fails to account for their impact on entire populations, and in particular on people living in poverty who cannot afford prepayments. A revision of evaluation criteria is needed, with greater attention being paid to ¿vertical equity' i.e. differential access according to people's different needs in recognition of the existence of vulnerable groups. Insurance schemes should be measured in terms of their contribution to the ultimate end of providing universal access to quality healthcare. The forms of health insurance discussed in this paper are: Private Health Insurance (PHI), Private for-profit Micro Health insurance, Community Based Health Insurance (CBHI) and Social Health Insurance (SHI). Examining each form of health insurance against the revised criteria in turn, this paper seeks to present what are considered to be the practical challenges confronting each mechanism, giving evidence drawn from case studies of low-income countries (and to a lesser extent those of higher-income countries) in each instance. The third part of this paper discusses the importance of national commitment to public spending on health and the crucial need for global solidarity. Access the NGO paper via GIMI

Platform For Health Insurance For The Poor (HIP)

Platform for Health Insurance for the Poor (HIP) aims to bring together expertise in health care and health insurance in developing countries, both through the platform itself and through regular meetings.

The idea of launching a Dutch health insurance platform arose during a workshop on health insurance in developing countries organised by Cordaid, ICCO, Plan Netherlands and the Dutch governmental Directorate General for International Cooperation (DGIS) in June 2006. Those present noted that health insurance is emerging in middle-income countries as an instrument to improve access to quality health services for those who traditionally have no access to such services. Besides which, the Netherlands has a large network of experts and organisations that wish to explore the field of health insurance.

The platform was set up in order to collect and promote knowledge, innovations and experience on a voluntary basis and to organise both formal and informal gatherings and seminars on the subject. The Platform encourages its members to actively contribute to developing and spreading knowledge in the field of health insurance by sharing findings from research and practices.

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Social security: a key tool for fighting poverty in Africa

Social security plays a key role in development in Africa, the Rwandan Prime Minister, B. Makuza, declared at the opening of the first regional forum for social security in Africa, organized by ISSA (18 – 20 November 2008 in Kigali, Rwanda). The purpose of this African forum was to prepare the global forum on social security in South Africa in 2010.

An ILO team of social security experts led by the Director of the subregional office in Yaoundé took part in the work.
The ILO experts reiterated the Office’s vision for social security based on its New Consensus as well as the support that the Office can provide in this respect.
For some years the Social Security Department has been developing the necessary tools for providing social security, especially the SPER (Social Protection Expenditure and Performance Reviews). Studies carried out by the Social Security Department have shown that it is possible to extend social security to the entire population and ensure a basic service package in most developing countries, including several African countries. In Africa, the ILO has implemented strategies and methods for extending social security through several technical cooperation projects (particularly STEP). According to ILO, the factor that determines whether a national social protection policy will be successful is the will to give social security priority as a tool for fighting poverty, as the example of Rwanda shows (read the article here).

The African constituents have reaffirmed the essential role of social security in ensuring “a more socially integrated and economically productive development”, and have called for stronger political commitment in order to guarantee social protection for a larger part of the population.

Setting social security standards in a global society

An analysis of the present state and practice and of future options for global social security standard setting at the International Labour Organisation

In its new series Social Security Policy Briefings, the Social Security Department has just issued a technical paper that outlines and analyses the present situation regarding the ILO Social Security Conventions and the current "Campaign on Social Security and Coverage for All", as well as identifying different options for improving the present situation. The paper delineates the possible contribution of the ILO Conventions and Recommendations to the Campaign.

This document is the result of a consultative process and reflects inputs and comments from the academic world and from ILO constituents. Access the paper via GESS

New Resource online: Extension of Social Security to BPL Workers. Rashtrya Swasthya Bima Yojana Planning Situation

Extension of Social Security - Discussion Paper Series, 2006-2015 Asian Decent Work Decade, ILO Sub-regional Office for South Asia, 2008

Within the framework of the new Minimal Social Security Programme targeting unorganized workers, the Government of India released the guidelines to the implementation of a new health insurance scheme called Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), encouraging various State Governments to implement it. The scheme targets in its first phase workers living below the poverty line and their families - about 300 million people. Responding positively, almost all State Governments in India are now committed to be part of this Central Government sponsored initiative, and 11 States have started preparing for the implementation process. This discussion paper, prepared under the Communities-Led Association for Social Security (CLASS) initiative, provides an overview of the main features of the health insurance scheme and its operational mechanisms, assesses its development potential in the various States and reviews the main opportunities and challenges faced by the scheme; especially in relation to efficient partnership arrangements, which may be seen as a key element for the successful implementation of any health insurance scheme targeting the poor.

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DOMÉSTICOS: Para ter proteção previdenciária é preciso contribuir mensalmente

Tão importante quanto o emprego, a contribuição para a Previdência Social garante ao trabalhador doméstico a renda para o momento em que não puder trabalhar, seja por doença, invalidez ou idade. Para ter direito aos benefícios previdenciários, basta estar inscrito no Instituto Nacional do Seguro Social (INSS) e manter as contribuições em dia. É considerado empregado doméstico aquele que trabalha na residência de uma família, que não exerce atividade lucrativa, inclui além do doméstico, a governanta, o cozinheiro, o copeiro, a babá, o enfermeiro, o jardineiro, o motorista particular e o caseiro, entre outros. O diarista nessas ocupações não é considerado empregado doméstico. Inscrição ¿ Para fazer a inscrição do empregado doméstico na Previdência Social, e obter o Número de Inscrição do Trabalhador (NIT), basta telefonar para a Central 135 ou acessar a página na internet (www.previdencia.gov.br), no item serviços. É preciso o número da identidade ou da certidão de nascimento ou casamento, a Carteira de Trabalho e o CPF. O empregador deve pagar todo mês, em qualquer banco, a Guia da Previdência Social (GPS), utilizada para recolhimento da contribuição feita em nome da empregada. Os benefícios devem ser solicitados nas agências da Previdência Social, mas antes é preciso marcar data e hora pelo telefone 135. O salário-maternidade, a pensão por morte e o auxílio-doença podem ser solicitados também pela internet (www.previdencia.gov.br). Para isso, o empregado doméstico deve apresentar alguns documentos específicos para cada tipo de benefício, além da carteira de identidade ou certidão de nascimento ou casamento, carteira de trabalho, título de eleitor, CPF, PIS/Pasep/NIT. Para saber os documentos para cada tipo de benefício, ligue também para 135 ou acesse o site. A ligação é gratuita, se feita de um telefone fixo ou público, e custa o preço de uma ligação local, se feita de celular.Direitos - Para ter direito aos benefícios, além da inscrição no INSS, em alguns casos é preciso um número mínimo de contribuições mensais, chamado período de carência. O auxílio-doença e a aposentadoria por invalidez, por exemplo, exigem carência mínima de 12 contribuições. Não há carência para o pagamento de pensão por morte e auxílio-reclusão, serviço social, reabilitação profissional, salário maternidade, auxílio-doença e aposentadoria por invalidez nos casos de acidentes de qualquer natureza, ou se for acometido da lista de doenças previstas pelo Ministério da Saúde e pelo Ministério da Previdência Social (Portaria Interministerial 2.998/01). No entanto, também é preciso alertar que se o trabalhador perder a condição de segurado (deixar de contribuir), deverá ter no mínimo quatro meses de contribuição para recuperá-la. O empregado doméstico perde a qualidade de segurado após 12 meses sem contribuir, se tiver até 120 contribuições mensais (dez anos). Esse prazo é prorrogado por mais 12 meses se o empregado doméstico tiver mais de 120 contribuições, sem ter perdido a qualidade de segurado. O período de carência é contado a partir do pagamento da primeira contribuição sem atraso, não sendo consideradas para este fim as contribuições recolhidas com atraso. Aposentadoria -Para ter direito à aposentadoria por idade ou por tempo de contribuição, o empregado doméstico também deve ter um mínimo de 180 contribuições mensais (15 anos), no caso dos inscritos a partir de 25 de julho de 1991. Para inscritos antes dessa data, é preciso observar a tabela progressiva, que acrescenta seis meses de contribuição a cada ano. Em 2008, a carência é de 162 contribuições (13,5 anos). É possível, também, se aposentar por tempo de contribuição proporcional. Para esse tipo, o segurado deverá verificar o tempo de serviço que faltava em 16 de dezembro de 1998 para completar 30 anos de contribuição (homem) e 25 anos (mulher). A esse tempo é preciso adicionar 40%, mas para ter direito é preciso ter no mínimo 53 anos (homem) e 48 anos (mulher). Para a aposentadoria integral é necessário comprovar 35 anos de contribuição (homem) e 30 anos (mulher), sem limite de idade. Benefícios - Além das aposentadorias por idade e tempo de contribuição, o empregado doméstico têm direito à aposentadoria por invalidez, quando a perícia médica do INSS considera o empregado total e definitivamente incapaz para o trabalho, seja por doença ou acidente de qualquer natureza; auxílio-doença, se o empregado ficar doente ou sofrer acidente de qualquer natureza; salário maternidade para o período que ficar afastada do trabalho, com duração de 120 dias; auxílio reclusão, pago à família do empregado doméstico que, por qualquer razão, for preso; e pensão por morte, pago ao dependente (marido, mulher, companheiro ou filho não emancipado, menor de 21 anos, pai e mãe, ou irmão não emancipado, menor de 21 anos, nessa ordem). No caso do empregado doméstico, o auxílio-doença envolve também acidentes, mesmo os ocorridos fora do ambiente de trabalho. Informações para a ImprensaMarcos Nunes

Cost of illness: Evidence from a study in five resource-poor locations in India

David M. Dror , Olga van Putten-Rademaker and Ruth Koren. InIndian Journal of Medical Research, April 2008

Background & Objectives: In India, health services are funded largely through out-of-pocket spending (OOPS). The objective of this article is to provide data on the cost of an illness episode and parameters affecting cost.

Methods: The data was obtained through a household survey carried out in 2005 in five locations among resource-poor persons in rural or slum India. The analysis is based on self-reported illness episodes and their costs. The study is based on 3,531 households (representing 17,323 persons) and 4,316 illness episodes.

Results: The median cost of one illness episode was INR 340. When costs were calculated as percentage of monthly income per person, the median value was 73% of that monthly income, and could reach as much as 780% among the 10% most exposed households. The estimated median per-capita cost of illness was 6% of annual per-capita income. The ratio of direct costs to indirect costs was 67:30. The cost of illness was lower among females in all age groups, due to lower indirect costs. 61% of total illnesses, costing 37.4% of total OOPS, were due to acute illnesses; chronic diseases represented 17.7% of illnesses but 32% of costs. Our study shows that hospitalizations were the single most costly component on average, yet they accounted for only 11% of the total on an aggregated basis, compared to drugs that accounted for 49% of total aggregated costs. Locations differ from each other in terms of the absolute cost of care, in terms of the distribution of items composing the total cost of care, and in supply.

Interpretation & Conclusion: Interventions to reduce the cost of illness should be context-specific, as there is no one-size-fits-all model to establish the cost of healthcare for the entire sub-continent. Aggregated expenses, rather than only hospitalizations, can cause catastrophic consequences of illness. Download the paper from Microinsurance Academy

Addressing lack of access to health care through community based financing in Yemen

Sana'a, Yemen - Started in 2005, ILOs work on social health protection in Yemen focused on exploring ways to extend social health protection. To this extent, after a mission to Yemen in 2005 the project was kick-started with a pre-feasibility study to examine how social health protection and access to health services can be improved for the poor. The aim, in particular, was to examine whether community-financing mechanisms might help to improve access to health care. Lack of access to health care exists in Yemen for the following main reasons:

high cost of health care (especially high direct costs);
lack of availability of medicines;
maternal and child health care especially require attention (due to issues of gendered access to health care, where women choose to forsake health care in order not to inconvenience anyone);
low quality of health services.

In addition to this, like many low- and middle-income countries, the majority of the population in Yemen faces the problem of an access deficit. While 85% of its population resides in the rural area, the majority of the available health care is situated in the urban areas. Significantly, while the ratio of qualified health personnel to the population has been rising in recent years, inadequate staffing of health facilities is also an important concern.

ILOs activities in Yemen have looked at extending social health protection in the face of these challenges, with the idea of addressing the financial barriers in particular through implementing community based financing initially. ILOs above activities regarding extending social health protection in Yemen suggest that conditions are in place for effective community financing. Community financing is a building block towards enhanced social protection in health. Alongside the strengthening of the current tax-financed public health service, commercial health insurance, Social health insurance and Community financing provide opportunities to increase access to care and financial protection. Community financing is especially useful to target population groups active in the informal economy. These groups are typically amongst the poorer segments of the population.

The core conditions for community financing are in place in Yemen, at least when the analysis is applied at the national level. However, there is wide variance in local-level factors such as the quality of available care, the degree to which local communities are closely-knit and households' financial resources for health. This indicates that the feasibility of community financing schemes can only be locally confirmed. Undoubtedly there will be some localities where community financing is not an element of a solution towards greater access to health care and financial protection.There's but one way to know if community financing in Yemen has a great potential in financing health care and providing social protection: that is to implement the approach in a pilot and then on a wider scale through a nation-wide programme. Pilots in different areas should be documented and learning organised so that practitioners as well as policy makers can draw lessons to increase the effectiveness of extending social health protection in the future.

Social Protection Virtual Campus Launched At The ILC: 9 June 2008, ILO, Geneva, Switzerland

Based on advanced technology in the field of distance learning, the Virtual Campus was launched on the 9th June during the 97th Session of the International Labour Conference. This electronic platform represents a portal giving access to training offered by the International Training Centre in Turin and QUATRAIN AMERICAS. The Virtual Campus is multilingual and is integrated with the other specialised platforms of the Social Security Department.

The Social Protection Virtual Campus is a portal for the creation and dissemination of interdisciplinary knowledge. Its objective is to develop both institutional capacities and the competence of individuals in order to improve the effectiveness and the extent of coverage of social protection systems. This is achieved by means of distance learning, technical co-operation, exchange of information and experience and the formation of networks of contacts and knowledge.

Professionals from social protection institutions, representatives of employers and workers, academics, researchers, students, NGO professionals and other interested parties are invited to share this ongoing learning and communication workspace

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"Basic pensions and child support are effective means of getting ..." states Juan Somavia, Director-General, ILO.

"Basic pensions and child support are effective means of getting vital cash into the poorest communities and together with basic health care schemes have a direct impact on poverty, preventing ..." More information ...

Experiencia con la OIT/curso

Regreso a mi Pais con la satisfaccion de haber participado en el curso que ha brindado la OIT sobre Estrategias para la Extension de la Proteccion Social para Trabajadores Autonomos y Migrantes. El Tema es tan importante que nos comprometemos a divulgarlo mediante escritos en columnas de opinion en los medios escritos de mi pais, de tal manera de coadyuvar la concienciacion sobre la tematica en los momentos en que Panama se presta a la promocion de una Ley sobre el sistema unico de prestacion de salud el cual tiene resistencia de algunos actores sociales que forman opinion en mi Pais.

ILO Asia-Pacific Regional High Level Meeting On Socially-Inclusive Strategies To Extend Social Security Coverage: 19-20 May 2008, New Delhi, India

This High Level Regional Meeting brought together representatives of Governments, Workers and Employers with the aim of reviewing the range of strategies pursued by the 21 participant countries in view of achieving the ILO "Asian Decent Work Decade" objectives launched in 2006. The meeting provided a platform for delegates to share experiences regarding ways of extending social security coverage and dealing with emerging challenges; helping them to identify good practices and foster consensus on ways to proceed. Given the strong emphasis on practical experiences, a large number of technical papers presenting country-specific case studies were produced and disseminated in conjunction with the Regional Meeting; the list of documents can be accessed via the ILO website and the papers can be downloaded via the GIMI and GESS Resources sections.

Over the course of the meeting it was stressed that the State must play a central role in ensuring that economic growth is accompanied by measures to promote equity, and in involving employers and workers in the dialogue on social security. In particular the question of reaching out to the informal sector was addressed and due attention was given to the specific social security needs of women. The ILO notably introduced the concept of a "Social Floor", encompassing a set of four basic social security benefits.

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Intellecap's Microfinance Insights Magazine Volume 5 : Focus On Microinsurance

"Mitigating risks for the poor" in Focus on Microinsurance", Microfinance Insights, Vol. 5, December 2007, Intellecap

"Microfinance Insights" devotes this volume to Microinsurance. The magazine contains articles by worldwide experts, gathered at the Third Annual Microinsurance Conference held in Mumbai, India (see G-News N° 3).

Recognizing the role of insurance as a tool in improving the protection of low-income persons against contingencies and as a field of innovation, this volume highlights strategies that would make microinsurance more efficient for beneficiaries and commercially viable for insurers.

In this vein, Michael J. McCord states in an interview that there are three major challenges for the microinsurance sector to develop products that really respond to the needs of clients, to enhance delivery channels and to demystify microinsurance through the education of the population. He also suggests that the partner-agent model is the most promising option for scaling up microinsurance activities.

The question of distribution is also widely discussed in this volume.

In the field of innovations and best practices, the role of intermediaries between insurers and clients, MFIs, community-based organizations, mutual benefit societies and private insurers are analysed in different articles. Regulation and capacity building of intermediary institutions are mentioned as being two major factors of progress to address the vulnerability of the poor to risks.Finally, "Microfinance Insights" dedicates an article to the handbook entitled "Microinsurance Performance Indicators", in which authors develop several indicators to measure the financial performance of programmes aimed at delivering insurance to the poor.

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MGEN, IE and AIM LAUNCH an Education and Solidarity Network

Three organisations concerned with the development, coordination and strengthening of solidarity-based social protection systems; IE (Education International), AIM (International Association of Mutual Benefit Societies) and MGEN (Mutual of National Education, France), are preparing the launch of an Education and Solidarity Network.

The rationale of the Network lies in the recognition of educational professionals as key agents in the promotion of solidarity-based social protection systems worldwide; whether operating among teaching professionals or extended to the population at large.

Focusing on social protection models that are based on the essential values of solidarity, non-profit motives and democratic management, the activities of the Education and Solidarity Network will include the development and sharing of tools, expertise and best practices, as well as the launching of targeted training programmes.

The partner organisations bring together their collective strength in their respective fields: acting as a worldwide federation of trade unions, Education International represents 30 million workers in the teaching profession in 171 countries, while AIM brings together 41 national federations of mutual associations and in turn MGEN is a forerunning mutual health organisation in France, covering 3.3 million educational professionals and their dependents. The three partners behind the Network will provide financial and technical aid to projects and the ILO-STEP Programme will bring its vast technical knowledge and experience to the Network in a supporting role.

The Education and Solidarity Network website is available in English, French and Spanish. A series of awareness-raising meetings will be held worldwide thanks to AIM, IE and ILO-STEP in order to identify and inform prospective members. The Network launch will take place at an International Conference on the 14th and 15th May 2009 in Paris.

See the ESN website

ILO applauds India's effort to increase social security coverage

At the Asia-Pacific Regional High-Level meeting on strategies to extend social security coverage organized by the ILO which took place on the 19th and 20th May in New Delhi, the ILO praised India's efforts to extend social security coverage through the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and the recent launching of various insurance schemes targeting the poorest segments of the population. These include for instance the health insurance scheme "Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana" (RSBY) which targets below poverty line workers in the informal sector and their families and aims to cover 300 million people in five years.

ILO introduces new social security training programme

The International Labour Organization, in collaboration with the Mona School of Business, University of the West Indies (UWI) - Mona campus, hosted a four-day training programme on Actuarial Methods and Social Security Financing for non-specialists on 1-4 December 2008, at the Mona School of Business, UWI.

The programme is part of the ILO's new training initiatives - QUATRAIN - AMERICAS, which was launched by the Social Security Department of the ILO (Geneva) in cooperation with the International Training Centre of the ILO based in Turin, Italy, to strengthen the capacity of governments, employers and trade unionists, in the fields of actuarial methods and the financing of social protection.

The training programme will provide basic knowledge and management tools needed for managing social security schemes. It is being organized in response to requests from the region for enhanced knowledge and expertise in quantitative techniques related to social security schemes. Programme participants will include technical staff of various ministries as well as representatives of National Insurance Schemes, and of employers' and workers' organizations from across the Caribbean region.

Using a highly participatory approach, the programme covers topics such as: international trends in social security financing; basic actuarial and financial elements of social security financing; basic elements of modelling of pension schemes and health care schemes; financial governance of social security; and social security investments.

The training will be delivered by international and regional experts from the International Labour Office, Geneva; the Inter-American Conference on Social Security (CISS) based in Mexico; the Occupational Safety and Health Commission (CSST) based in Quebec, Canada, and an ILO external collaborator from the Dominican Republic.

QUATRAIN - AMERICAS was designed to equip constituents so that they could work towards achieving the Decent Work Agenda in the Americas (2006-2015), which has, as one of goals, to strengthen and extend the coverage of social protection schemes.

What's new on GIMI and GESS?

A "user's module" has been created on the GIMI and GESS platforms. It aims to make it easier for users to communicate with each other... and make themselves known to others.

When users log in to their Personal Space, a mini personalised home page comes up.

By clicking on Show/Edit my profile , users can add personal information (pictures, a few sentences describing themselves so that other users can look up profiles) and edit their profiles when and as they wish.

Users now have access to the List of users, as well as each other's profiles and can know who is connected at any given time. A search option allows users to look up other users according to specific criteria.

Come and update your profile now!

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ILO Social Security Department stresses the importance of ILO Standards in times of economic distress and calls for ratification of Convention 102

On the occasion of the welcoming address of the International Social Security Association Bureau on 15 October, Michael Cichon, Director of the ILO Social Security Department, launches a major request to support ratification of Convention 102. The ILO sees Convention 102 as one of the central safeguard of benefit levels of contributors and tax payers against the fall-outs for financial meltdowns of major long-term economic recession. The benefit levels required by Convention 102 should be used by ILO member states as social guarantees, that can even underpin pension schemes in times of economic distress.

Brasil e Alemanha assinam acordo previdenciário em 2009

Da Redação (Brasilia) ¿ Os governos do Brasil e da Alemanha podem assinar, até o final de 2009, um acordo bilateral de previdência social que permitirá a contagem de tempo de contribuição aos regimes previdenciários, dos dois países, para obtenção de benefícios, como aposentadoria por idade e invalidez, pensão por morte, auxílio-doença, salário maternidade e seguro acidente de trabalho. A previsão foi feita nesta segunda-feira (27), pelo ministro da Previdência Social, José Pimentel, e pelo vice-ministro do Trabalho e Assuntos Sociais alemão, Klaus Brandner, após audiência em Brasília. O encontro marcou a abertura da segunda rodada de negociação entre os dois países, que vai ocorrer até sexta-feira, em Brasília. As discussões foram iniciadas em julho deste ano, em Berlim, pelo secretário de Políticas de Previdência Social, Helmut Schwarzer, e resultaram na assinatura de um protocolo de intenções. Os dois ministros afirmaram que a similaridade entre as regras dos dois sistemas previdenciários facilitará a definição de regras que atendam tanto aos alemães, que vivem no Brasil, quanto os brasileiros, que residem naquele país. O ministro José Pimentel destacou o grande interesse do Brasil em estabelecer um acordo previdenciário com a Alemanha e apresentou à delegação alemã as principais características do sistema previdenciário brasileiro. Klaus Brandner, por sua vez, disse estar sensibilizado com o empenho do governo brasileiro em formular os termos do acordo. Ele destacou que esse tipo de política é uma importante medida que todos os países do mundo devem adotar para atender às novas demandas sociais geradas pelo processo de globalização. Durante o encontro, os dois ministros falaram ainda da importância de ocuparem cargos no Executivo de seus países e, ao mesmo tempo, pertencerem ao parlamento ¿ ambos são deputados federais -, destacando que esse vínculo facilita a aprovação de leis que beneficiam muito a população. O ministro José Pimentel ressaltou que essa dupla representatividade resulta num diálogo ainda melhor entre os dois poderes. Ele afirmou que a ratificação dos acordos internacionais pelo Legislativo ¿ exigência legal para que as regras entrem em vigor -, por exemplo, torna-se ainda mais rápida, se o ministro é oriundo do Congresso Nacional. Nas reuniões dos próximos dias, os representantes do governo alemão irão apresentar, aos técnicos do Ministério da Previdência Social, detalhes do sistema previdenciário alemão. Na seqüência, os dois grupos irão iniciar a discussão sobre as regras que poderão ser incorporadas ao acordo. A base do debate será o protocolo de intenções assinado na Alemanha, em julho. Segundo o secretário Helmut Schwarzer, a assinatura de um acordo com a Alemanha representa a retomada, por parte daquele país, da política de convênios com países da América Latina. Também vai sinalizar positivamente para outros países da Europa que queiram estabelecer parcerias com o Brasil, destacou Schwarzer. Segundo levantamento do Ministério da Previdência Social, cerca de 46 mil brasileiros vivem atualmente na Alemanha, enquanto cerca de 27 mil alemães estão radicados no Brasil.

Marking the 50th anniversary of the Employees' Provident Fund, the ILO proposes a "basic social security floor" for Sri Lanka: 11th September 2008, Colombo, Sri Lanka

The Employees Provident Fund; a contributory old-age benefit scheme for Sri Lanka's private sector workers established in 1958, reached the milestone of its 50th Anniversary in 2008. A celebration was held in Colombo on 11th September, addressed by the President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Minister of Labour, the President of the Trade Union Federation and the President of the Ceylon Employers' Federation. The Director General of the ILO Juan Somavia gave his congratulations by video and Michael Cichon, Director of the Social Security Department of the ILO, made a presentation on the present and future role of social security in Sri Lanka.

The EPF constitutes perhaps the most important old-age benefit scheme in Sri Lanka, both in terms of persons covered and of assets. On the occasion of the scheme's 50th anniversary, the Minister of Labour announced a number of proposals for the amendment of the EPF including administrative enhancements; the introduction of a national identity number and online balance checks, as well as various benefit modifications. Possibilities for extending coverage to the self-employed and for increasing the representation of employers and workers in the management of the scheme were also raised. More info

The anniversary also provided the occasion for Michael Cichon to present the findings of the ILO's diagnostic review of Sri Lanka's social security system. The ILO put forward its proposal for an approach to social security provision centred on the guarantee of a "basic social security package" for all citizens/ residents. The concept of the "basic social security package", recently developed by the ILO's Social Security Department is based on a framework of four essential social security guarantees: access to basic health benefits, income security for children with the aim of facilitating access to basic education and health, targeted income support for the poor and unemployed and basic pensions to provide income security for people in old age, those with disabilities and survivors. In essence this framework is applicable in any country, with suitable adaptations to fit national circumstances, and the ILO's research indicates that it is fiscally affordable in low-income countries.

See the study Can low-income countries afford basic social security?

While noting that Sri Lanka has one of the most developed social security systems in the region, the ILO has identified key areas for the extension of coverage in its Advisory Report which also includes a detailed simulation exercise to assess the affordability of achieving a basic package of social security benefits. A PowerPoint Presentation summarising the ILO's findings is also available.

See the profile of Sri Lanka in GESS

Social security expenditure database

The social security expenditure database is available online. It is composed of data from international sources:

ILO Cost of Social Security Inquiries
Eurostat (ESSPROS database)
World Bank (World Development Indicators)
International Financial Statistics
World Health Organisation
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (SOCX database)

This database offers of wide range of social security indicators from 1989 to 2005.

Direct link: Social security expenditure database

Argentinean Government announces the take over of the private Retirement and Pension Fund Administrators (AFJP) by the national scheme.

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 15:10:13 GMT

A project of law has been sent to the Congress and if approved, the AFJP will be replaced by the national pension scheme. Deposits in the funds will be nationalized. This is a consequence of the global financial crisis. The AFJP could only provide voluntary 2nd pillar.

E-Discussion: Reducing Maternal Mortality Through Increased Access To Safe Abortions In India

In February 2008 participants in the Solution Exchange Maternal and Child Health Community discussion group shared their reflections and experiences on the question of reducing maternal mortality through the improvement of access to safe abortions.

Nozer Sheriar of the Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology Societies of India (F.O.G.S.I ), Mumbai, expressed her opinion that in spite of having legalized medical termination of pregnancy over 35 years ago, India still grapples with a general lack of awareness of the availability of safe abortion and limited registered facilities distributed unevenly over the subcontinent. For Nozer Sheriar it is this combination that continues to contribute to a high incidence of illegal abortion and an estimated 15,000 abortion-related deaths annually.

Alongside the more concrete issues of service delivery and improving access to contraception, respondents delved into complex socio-cultural and religious subject matter, with numerous respondents insisting on the critical need to dissociate the practice of pre-natal testing from sex selective abortion. Various strategies for awareness-raising were put forward, as many members of the discussion group laid emphasis on the existence of widespread confusion among the population regarding the details of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act as well as modern abortion procedures. Read the discussion summary

E-discussion on safe motherhood in India

As part of the "Safe Motherhood Month" activities in April, Solution Exchange also launched a discussion on the issue of involving elected representatives in the fight to improve maternal health and reduce the Maternal Mortality Rate in India, which stands at around 301 per 100,000 live births (SRS 2006).

This discussion topic was put forward by Medha Gandhi of CEDPA India. While acknowledging that some efforts have been initiated by the government and civil society to reduce the MMR in India, he raised the question, "What can be done to involve our political leaders at the national, state and Panchayat levels to take a lead in working for maternal health?"

Participants discussed a variety of strategies and shared successful experiences on ways of making elected representatives better informed and more accountable on this issue, as well as more involved in dialogue with service providers and community leaders. Many examples were given of successful NGO, community and women's group initiatives and awareness campaigns. One respondent for example highlighted the success of the Social audit method in the Nainital District, which involved joint exercises by PRI members, women's group leaders and NGO staff in checking the quality of services and facilities. Numerous responses highlighted the importance of social recognition as an incentive for improving MMR performance, for example it was suggested that competition should be introduced at the village level with the symbolic target of "No maternal deaths in the village". Read the discussion summary

Health care financing in the context of social security

European Parliament, Policy Department, Economic and Social Policy, 2008

In view of increasing cost pressures, this paper aims to provide guidance to national EU policy-makers faced with the challenge of reconciling financial sustainability of health systems with the safeguarding of the key underlying values of these health systems; namely universal coverage, solidarity in financing, equity, efficiency and quality of care.

The paper provides an overview of the current state of health care financing in the European Union,identifying broad trends and evolutions that have occurred since the 1990s. An annex to the paper offers descriptive summaries of healthcare financing in each of the EU member states.

The first part of this paper seeks to clarify the nature of the sustainability problem, laying emphasis on the distinction between economic and fiscal sustainability. The second and third parts provide analysis of a variety of current financing arrangements in terms of both their ability to fulfil health financing functions and in terms of their commitment to the "policy goals" or key values considered vital to uphold health systems as developed by the WHO. Identifying the different stages of the healthcare financing process; from the initial collection of funds to pooling to the purchasing of health services and finally coverage of the population, this paper highlights the variables affecting key values at each stage. On the basis of this analysis, it is argued in this paper that public financing of healthcare is superior to private financing on three accounts: in terms of sustainability, contribution to the value of equity and in terms of efficiency. The fourth and final part of the paper provides general policy recommendations drawn from the conclusions of the analysis. Access the paper via GIMI

Interregional Tripartite Meeting on the Future of Social Security in Arab States.

The Interregional Tripartite Meeting on the Future of Social Security in Arab States (Amman, 6-8 May 2008) provided a forum for representatives of Governments, employers and workers to review and assess the current state of social security in the Middle East and North Africa, and to reflect on strategies aiming at extending social security coverage and strengthening social security. The meeting was organized jointly by the International Labour Organization, through its Department of Social Security (Geneva), Regional Office for Arab States (Beirut),and Regional Office for Africa (Addis Ababa) and the Arab Labour Organization. The meeting concretized the recommendations of the ILO Asian and African Regional Meetings (in 2006 and 2007) on social security and provided orientation for the action of the International Labour Office in the framework of its Global Campaign for the extension of social security till 2015. The ILO conclusions of the meeting acknowledge the progress that has been achieved in the past, and call for increased efforts to further improve the design and governance of social security schemes, and to develop effective policies to extend social security coverage to the population including a minimum set of social security guarantees to the population.

Conference documents (in English and Arabic) are available on the conference website.

You can find links to social security institutions in each country profile of the Region [here].

New Deal for People in the Global Crisis: ILO, UN DESA, UNICEF and HelpAge unite to propose a Global New Deal to deliver worldwide social protection and tackle the effects of today's financial crisis.

SOCIAL SECURITY FOR ALL
1 December 2008, 5:15-7:00 pm, Venue: Doha - Dukhan/Sheraton

Michael Cichon during his presentation (source : thepeninsulaqatar.com)

Speakers:
Michael Cichon, Director, Social Security Department, ILO
Isabel Ortiz, Senior Policy Advisor, UN DESA
Silvia Stefanoni, Director, HelpAge International
Gaspar Fajth, Chief UNICEF

In this time of crisis, ILO, UN DESA, UNICEF and HelpAge unite to propose a Global New Deal to deliver worldwide social protection through basic old ageand disability pensions, child benefits, employment programs, and provision of social services.

The Global New Deal, named after the Roosevelt policies following the 1929 crash, also builds on previous studies about the positive impact a basic floor of social security benefits can have in reducing poverty and achieving the Millennium Development Goals.

Should the international community commit to providing financial support to the Global New Deal, this initiative could help tackle the effects of today's financial crisis.

More info:see flyer

Seminar: "Social Security Education: International Experience", Santiago de Chile, 20 November 2008.

Chile's Social Security Department organizes a seminar called "Social Security Education: International Experience" ("Educación Previsional: La Experiencia Internacional"). The aim of the initiative is to spur debate on social policies concerning social security education and thereby contribute to developing a national policy for the subject. The seminar is aimed at business owners, workers, politicians and media, as well as representatives of student bodies and academic institutions. More information...

The financial crisis affects private pension system in Peru

The current financial crisis has affected pensions currently offered by the AFP in Peru. Thus, Congress has requested information from the "Superintendencia de Banca, Seguros y AFP" and the Ministry of Economy and Finance on the measures it has implemented or will implement to mitigate the negative impact on the pensions of members.

New Resource online: Performance Indicators for Micro-insurance

John Wipf and Denis Garand, 2008

This handbook provides some principles and key indicators for the evaluation of microinsurance performance irrespective of the approach of the scheme (e.g. social-protection or market-based).

Chapter 1 contains definitions, formulas, descriptions and interpretations of the indicators;
Chapter 2 focuses on some of the specific considerations to be taken into account when evaluating performance for certain products and for the partner-agent model;
Chapter 3 introduces the subject of benchmarking;
Chapter 4 explores the topic of social performance.

The handbook, together with a factsheet in the form of an Excel workbook consisting of financial statements adapted for microinsurance practitioners, makes up the toolkit, "Performance Indicators for Microinsurance". Both tools complement each other and are designed to be used together. The handbook complements the factsheet by assisting the reader with the interpretation of the obtained results.

Spanish and French versions of the handbook will be available soon.

MORE INFO:

Tanzanian Social Fund pilot of conditional cash transfers: experimenting on poorest people?

The ILO/DfID project in Tanzania has received documents describing a Community-Based Conditional Cash Transfer Pilot being implemented through Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF). The project, as described in these documents - aims to reach the most vulnerable elderly and children, such as those living in child-headed households, orphans and chronically ill children, the very poor or the very sick elderly without a caregiver. In 80 villages, households meeting these eligibility criteria are now being identified, registered and their data input into a database. 40 villages will be randomly selected from the 80 villages, as what is called "treatment" villages and then eligible households will start to be paid benefits early 2009. The payments will continue only if the beneficiaries meet additional behavioural conditions which are linked to school attendance for school-age children and to visits to health facilities for small children and elderly in order to get vaccination or medical examination and advice. Those who are eligible will however receive these benefits for maximum 20 months as the project foresees neither rolling out the scheme nationally nor continuation at least for those who will have acquired benefit entitlements during the pilot.

The eligible poorest households in the other 40 villages will not be given any benefits as they are unlucky to live in a "control" group of villages. How they manage to survive in comparison to those getting benefits will be closely monitored for the purposes of a scientifically designed project's evaluation exercise.

This raises serious ethical concerns. We know from other African pilot cash transfer schemes targeted at the most vulnerable that the majority of beneficiaries identified by communities as the most vulnerable have been surviving before the start of the pilot by begging for food in the neighbourhood. Experimenting on such extremely poor and vulnerable individuals in order just to prove scientifically what is intuitively obvious for everybody - that even small amounts of cash dramatically changes lives of these people - is not acceptable.

I hope, however, that the actual implementation of the project will follow a different path. The benefits should be paid to everybody meeting eligibility criteria in all covered villages. Effectiveness of conditionality can be tested in the following way: households in "treatment" villages receive a supplement to their benefits if they meet the conditionality and only basic benefit if they don't, while to those eligible living in "control villages", no conditionality is applied and they all receive the basic benefit. Basic benefit should be at least at the level foreseen now, that is 100% of the food poverty line for eligible elderly and 50% for eligible children. At the same time, the national debate and supporting analytical work should start to aim at designing, legislating and implementing a national social cash transfer's programme or a set of programmes aimed at various groups. Also, the organizers of the pilot commit themselves to continuing financing and delivering the benefits beyond the planned project's duration to all beneficiaries who became entitled during the duration of the project as long as they are meeting the eligibility conditions.

Any social protection scheme creates an obligation towards the beneficiaries. Even under pilot schemes this obligation should be honoured and interests of the beneficiaries have to be protected. Conditions stated above have thus to be met in case of any pilot, also the one implemented in Tanzania.

Krzystzof Hagemejer

See Tanzania page in GESS

Is A Social Security Floor Affordable? 15 May 2008, ILO, Geneva, Switzerland

In his presentation at the 26th Decent Work Forum, organized by the ILO's Policy Integration Department, Michael Cichon - Director of the ILO's Social Security Department- stressed that social security is not only a human right but also a social and economic necessity. Based on the study "Can low-income countries afford basic social security?", which involved a simulation exercise undertaken in 12 countries, he also asserted that basic social security for all is fiscally affordable in low-income countries.

Within this framework, the ILO proposes a set of guarantees as a "social security floor":

All residents have access to basic/essential health care benefits through pluralistic delivery mechanisms, with the State accepting general responsibility for ensuring the adequacy of the delivery system and its financing;
All children enjoy a level of income security at least at the poverty level through various family/child benefits aimed at facilitating access to nutrition, education and care;
Some targeted income support is provided to the poor and the unemployed in the active age group;
All elderly residents and those with disabilities enjoy income security at least at the poverty level through pensions for old age, disability and survivors.

The implementation of this set of guarantees is conditional on the efforts of the low-income countries themselves in conjunction with international donor support. The strategy expounded in this study is based on the premise that if the countries in question increase the level of domestic expenditure allocated to social protection (rather than maintaining current levels of allocation), they will progressively be able to finance 100% of the package themselves in the long run.

Moreover, the experience of various countries demonstrates that a variety of financing strategies are used and that linkages between different actors can be a key element in this process.

It is important to mobilize populations' ability and willingness to pay, but on a broader scale, strategies at national and international levels can be implemented as well:

governments can increase the amount of resources allocated to social protection;
efforts can be made in favour of national solidarity; through cross subsidies from social taxes, supplementary taxes (for example on hydrocarbons, the national lottery, etc.);
action can be taken to promote international solidarity; through global funds, innovative financing such as taxes on flight tickets, global social trust, migrants' transfers to their families, etc.

MORE INFO:

Shanghai: Improving access to health care through rationalizing the distribution of health institutions

To materilize the goal of Health care for all, it requires not only adequate financing provisions like health insurance, but also adequate services at people's disposal.

The Government of Shanghai Municipality has taken a series of measures to address the supply of health services. It should note that Shanghai is the largest and oldest city in China in terms of population, the number of which amounted to almost 19 million (2008) while the proportion of the inhabitants aged 60 and over exceeded 20 percent (2007) in comparison with the national average of 11 percent (2007). The extent of need for health care is therefore considerably large. To ensure that every resident, regardless of where he / she lives in Shanghai, has quality health services disposable within a reasonable distance, the Government of Shanghai has been implementing a project called "Health services available within 1560". "15" referres to 15 minutes and "60" to 60 minutes. Having made 15 years' efforts in developing the urban community health services, the distribution of 232 community health centres and 686 community health points over the urban area of Shanghai is now able to guarantee that within 15 minutes' walking distance, an inhabitant can get primary care from one of these community health centre or point. Meanwhile, the establishment of 1760 village health points ensures each village possesses one health point. Health care quality is the other side of the coin of the "1560" project. To provide those living in the suburbs of Shanghai with specilised health care within 60 minutes of driving, the Municipal Governmant plans to set up a total of 9 specialised hospital with around 600 beds each in 9 suburb disctricts /counties over a period of five years (2009-2014).

The Municipal Council of Kribi, Cameroon, gets involved in the promotion of mutual health organisations

The executive of the Municipal Council of Kribi, Cameroon, concerned by the welfare of the people and by the difficulties they experience in getting access to healthcare; and under the strong recommendation of the Deputy Mayor of Kribi 1 Massaka (Dr. Mbvoula Joël Aristide), decided to set up a mutual health organisation in order to facilitate access to healthcare for people of all different social backgrounds living in the community.

Aware that a degree of sensitivity would be required to carry out this social project, the municipal council entrusted the NGO ASSA with the task of carrying out feasibility studies and providing technical support to help set up the MHO.

The feasibility study showed that the user rate of the health services in the town of Kribi was very low (13%). The critical lack of equipment was driving the people of Kribi to seek treatment in the hospitals of neighbouring towns, like Edéa, Douala or Yaoundé. The level of self-treatment was very high. Health services were only being used as a second or third resort.

Thanks to the feasibility report, a group of Kribi nationals living abroad took up the cause and offered a whole set of medical equipment for the Radiology Department of the Kribi district hospital.

The official opening ceremony of the Kribi community mutual health organisation took place on the 11th April 2008 under the patronage of the Prefect of the Océan Department of Cameroon and in the presence of every administrative, health, religious and traditional official of Kribi.

With regards to the treatment of members, the MHO has signed agreements with four health providers (two public, one faith-based and one private).

The mutual health initiative will help the people of Kribi to gain access to healthcare because it allows for third-party payment and will undoubtedly contribute to increasing user rates of health services.

ADAMS Programme Health Sponsoring

The idea behind the ADAMS programme's health sponsoring project is to enable the African Diaspora to play a more significant and effective role in improving their relatives' healthcare access.

Paying their families' contributions in advance (a yearly 20 to 40 Euros per person) can avoid the stressful last minute calls and the excessively high transfer fees (Western Union...). Morover, the yearly fee is smaller than the total sums sent over per year and per person, and once the family is protected they are better taken care of (prevention, illnesses are treated in the early stages, follow-ups).

The idea has received positive feedback from those members of the Diaspora who have already been contacted; via community networks, international radios (Africa No1, RFI), restaurants, hair salons and www.parrainagesante.org to name but a few. To date, 25 sponsors have joined the project.

More info:

The Gaya Mutual Health Organisation (Senegal): An Example of Partnership

The creation of a mutual health organisation in December 2004 was part of a wider community health project; a section of which was devoted to the prevention of malaria, within the general strategy of the NGO Le Partenariat in supporting the health district. The Gaya mutual health organisation benefited from the support of promoters (Promosaf and Le Partenariat) during the creation and development process. The various partners (health district officials, Le Parternatiat, Promusaf etc.) co-operated in view of responding to the high demand of the population for a means of facilitating access to health services.

As well as the technical and financial support of the promoters (Promusaf and Le Partenariat), the partners set up a working capital fund designed to promote agricultural exploitation (tomato and potato crops). One third of the net income from this agricultural exploitation will be set aside for the reinforcement of the solvency margin.

More info:

The World Bank creates the "Insurance for the Poor" program

The "Insurance for the Poor" (IfP) Program has been recently established within the Financial and Private Sector Development Vice Presidency of the World Bank. The Program follows a market enhancement approach, recognizing that market failures can create sub-optimal wealth allocation and that private sector coordination is not always effective.

The World Bank already supports a wide range of insurance initiatives that directly benefit the target group (the poor), for example, expanding life insurance provision in rural India, piloting health savings accounts with catastrophic health insurance in Uganda, etc. Other such initiatives operate at the country level and indirectly help the poor; such as promoting sovereign catastrophe insurance in the Caribbean and supporting legislation to extend insurance coverage to the poor in Cambodia.

More info:

ILO Releases The Social Protection Expenditure And Performance Review (SPER) for Zambia: 4th July 2008, Lusaka, Zambia

The Social Protection Expenditure and Performance Review (SPER) and Social Budget (SB) Report and Executive Summary are products of the first year of work of the ILO/DFID-funded project in Zambia: "ILO Global Campaign for Social Protection and Coverage for All as a Means to Reducing Poverty in Africa and Asia". The "SPER" is one of the key tools of the ILO's Social Security Department for assessing social protection systems and for providing an overview of these systems for the country in question.

The main finding is that neither existing contributory (social insurance) nor non-contributory (social assistance) social security provisions are adequate in terms of the numbers of the population covered, the scope of coverage and the adequacy of benefits/ payments received. This in a context in which half of the population is extremely poor, living below the poverty line, and almost two-thirds are living below the basic needs poverty line and thus moderately poor or worse. Preliminary analysis shows that Zambia could afford a basic package of social protection; universal old age pensions, targeted cash transfers and child benefits. In the longer run this package would cost no more than 1.5% of GDP and would build the foundations of a modern social protection system.

MORE INFO

Micro Insurance Academy (MIA) & Cooperative Development Foundation (CDF) Join Hands To Promote Cooperative-Based Micro Health Insurance

In May of this year, the Cooperative Development Foundation (CDF) and the Micro Insurance Academy (MIA) conducted a Promoter Training exercise as part of an exciting new project to bring micro health insurance to poor communities in and around Warangal City, Andhra Pradesh, India. This event took place as the result of an earlier MIA-facilitated Initiation Workshop in which CDF and a number of self-help groups/cooperatives which it supports, agreed to add health insurance to their existing mutual life insurance offerings available since 2000.

With training and promotional materials provided by the MIA, CDF is now equipped to roll out its customized Swakrushi Cooperative Based Health Insurance Scheme (SCOBHIS), which in turn will extend micro health insurance to over 500,000 poor persons across 300 villages in the districts of Warangal, Karimnagar, and Medak. CDF and the MIA anticipate that this collaboration will continue over the next few years as the number of individuals insured under the SCOBHIS scheme increases.

More info:

Improving Social Protection in Azerbaijan

Although according to official data the proportion of the population living under the poverty line has decreased from about 50% in 2001 to about 20% in 2007, a lot remains to be done in order to fight poverty.The Programme for social rehabilitation of low income families has been set-up by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population with technical assistance from the European Union's EuropeAid Tacis Programme. This project is implemented by a consortium of three European organizations: Helsinki Consulting Group Ltd. (Finland), Emergences (a French non-profit association), and BBJ Consult AG (Germany). As an initial step, Emergences has arranged for officials to go to France in order to study the European experience in the field of social assistance mechanisms aiming at sustainable poverty reduction. The pilot initiatives including case management practices and close collaboration between public institutions and civil society organizations are tested in selected regions. Today, one may be rather optimistic about the latest developments: in general the financial resources are available in Azerbaijan, even though the coordination of all the social actions will be a major challenge.
Andrei Tretyak, expert in economic and social development emergences

India: Extension of Social Security to BPL Workers - Rashtrya Swasthya Bima Yojana Planning Situation

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 22:00:00 GMT

The present document, prepared under CLASS initiative, provides an overview of the main features and operational mechanisms of the health insurance scheme that the Indian government will implement. It also assesses its development potential in the various States and reviews the main opportunities and challenges, especially in relation to the efficient partnership arrangements that may be seen as a key element for the successful implementation of any health insurance scheme targeting the poor.

See the resource

Over 400 million peasants joining China's rural cooperative medical scheme

Health equity is an issue that worries China's public health policy makers.

The country's spectacular economic growth has been accompanied by a "slow down of improvements in population health and a rise in health inequalities," said Tang Shenglan, health and policy advisor to the WHO in Beijing. This, he said, was due to a rapid increase in health care costs (in a predominantly fee for service system), poor population coverage by health insurance (less than 40% of the urban population are insured), and no medical safety net. Out of pocket payments for health care have risen steadily over the past 25 years and now account for 54% of total health care expenditure. This has put health care beyond the reach of many and impoverished many more. The aim of China's new health reforms, which were launched last week, is to enhance equity and access to health care, particularly for vulnerable groups. Reforms undertaken four years ago to increase the proportion of health costs borne by local governments has already resulted in "over 400 million peasants joining China's rural cooperative medical scheme," Shenglan said. He also pointed to the need for greater emphasis on community based primary health care - a call which many repeated, during the conference.

AMIN INFOSHEET ABOUT MICRO INSURANCE PROGRAMMES IN ASIA

A whole collection of two page long infosheets about different micro-insurance programmes in Asia has been added to the GIMI library. The briefs on the left of the infosheets describe the schemes - eligibility conditions, benefits, premiums and other key features - as well as their main achievements and the challenges ahead. The fact sheets on the right provide an overview of each scheme (starting date, ownership profile, target group, outreach etc.), operational mechanisms, scope and level of health benefits and activity indicators (number of insured, women's participation, number of surgeries performed etc.) as well as development plans.
Indian schemes:

Andhra Pradesh: Healing Fields Foundation
Gujarat: Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA)
Karnataka: Swayam Krishi Sangam Health Scheme and Yeshasvini Co-operative Farmers Health Scheme
Madhya Pradesh: EHA's Prerana Health Insurance Scheme
Orissa: PREM's Health Micro-Insurance Scheme
Tamil Nadu: Kadamalai Federation Health Insurance Scheme (DHAN Foundation) and Self Help Promotion For Health and Rural Development Insurance Programme

HIUR: Beijing: Universal coverage for all urban economically inactive residents by end of 2008

The Municipal Government of Bejing announced recently that its Health Insurance Scheme for Urban Residents (HIUR scheme) was to be continuously extended to urban working-age economically inactive citizens after focusing on the elderly and children in the first phase in 2007. This remaining insured group accounts for 5 percent of the total urban population, amounting to about 400 thousand persons. It is envisaged that by the end of this year, all urban residents will have access to basic health care secured by the health insurance coverage.
For more information, see www.ben.com.cn

HIUR SCHEME: MOH issued "Regulation of Community Health Administration (provisional)"

The provisional regulation of the community health administration for the Health Insurance scheme for Urban Residents (HIUR scheme) was made public today by the Ministry of Health. It requires that all community-based health institutes should establish a health file for each resident and household, provide continuous health education, health administration, home-visit services and after-treatment services, and place emphasis on specific groups such as the elderly, women, children, the disabled, low-income, those with chronic and catastrophic diseases.
For more information, see news.xinhuanet.com

HEALTH PROTECTION NEEDS ASSESMENT SURVEY IN SRI LANKA

In Sri Lanka, large parts of the population are left without any kind of protection against social risks. Recognizing that microfinance could be used as an efficient tool to fight poverty, the country has already built over the last few years a unique development experience using various methodologies and approaches to reach poor communities, especially poor women. Many organizations dealing with microfinance activities have already expanded the scope of their interventions to other areas including insurance services. The need for an effective health protection mechanism clearly appears to be a top priority everywhere. The ILO has therefore conducted a health protection needs assessment survey to fully explore the possibility of developing a new innovative microfinance and micro-insurance approach.

HIUR SCHEME: Guangzhou: Universal cover of HI for all urban residents by end of 2008

According to the Labour and Social Security Bureau of Guangzhou, the Health Insuarnce Scheme for Urban Residents (HIUR scheme) will be launched this year to cover all urban residents who are not qualified for the HI scheme for urban working population.
This uninsured group consists of all school pupils / students, other types of children, working-age economically inactive persons and the elderly. It is estimated the total number of people in this group amounts to 1.5 million, equal to 45% of those insured under the existing urban HI scheme for working population.
With regard to benefit and financing, the maximum annual reimbursement payable to each insured person is fixed at a universal rate of up to 72,648 RMB, equivalent to US$9884 at the current exchange rate. But the annual contribution and fiscal subsidy vary considerably for those three sub-groups as described below:
Children & Students: 100 RMB, 20 RMB paid by the insured and and 80 by the Gov.
Working-age inactive: 600 RMB, 550 RMB paid by the insured and 50 by the Gov.
The elderly: 800 RMB, 300 RMB paid by the insured and 500 by the Gov.
For more information, see news.xinhuanet.com

Belgium continues partnership with ILO to extend social security and promote social dialogue

On 9 December 2008, the Minister of Development Cooperation of Belgium, Mr. Louis Michel, signed an agreement with the International Labour Office (ILO) for a new grant of 6 million and 2.4 respectively to extend social security to vulnerable populations and promote social dialogue in French-speaking Africa.

Microinsurance Conference : 5-7 November 2008 Cartagena, Colombia

This event is the fourth international Microinsurance Conference jointly hosted by the CGAP [Consultative Group to Assist the Poor] Working Group on Microinsurance and the Munich Re Foundation, supported by Fasecolda, FIDES and the Superintendencia Financiera de Colombia. Around 300 experts from around the world will exchange experiences and discuss the challenges of microinsurance. They include representatives from international organisations, NGOs, development-aid agencies, commercial insurance companies and policymakers.

The conference will include plenary panel discussions on key topics addressing an interdisciplinary audience. About twenty parallel working group sessions will deal in depth with different subtopics. Interactive sessions of approximately 90 minutes will make up the key part of the conference, encouraging the discussion of work in progress and facilitating dialogue in small groups on emerging issues.

Field trips will be organized by local organisations to provide an opportunity to learn and understand the practice of microinsurance in a Colombian context.

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