Addressing the COVID-19 economic crisis in Asia through social protection
This paper examines social security responses that Asian countries have already implemented in response to COVID-19 and proposes a range of more effective complementary or alternative approaches.
World Bank shows support for universal transfers as a response to the COVID-19 crisis
In a recent post for the World Bank’s "Jobs and Development" blog series, Michal Rutkowski states that “COVID-19 highlights the importance of creating universal entitlements to health care and income support”.
Tackling the COVID-19 economic crisis in Sri Lanka: Providing universal, lifecycle social protection transfers to protect lives and bolster economic recovery
This summary paper, written in partnership with UNICEF Sri Lanka, summarises findings from a series of Policy Briefs that aim to provide evidence to support the Government of Sri Lanka in its social protection response to the economic crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Webinar announcement: Strengthening social contracts in South Asia in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis
On Thursday 25 June, the IPC-IG, UNICEF and Development Pathways will host what will be the 2nd webinar of the series “Social Protection in South Asia – the landscape before...
Webinar reflections: What the Experts Say – Coronavirus and Children: Support for Families
A panel of experts reflected on the global economic crisis resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the potentially dangerous consequences that it will have for the future of children and their families.
Addressing the Economic Impacts of the COVID-19 Crisis in South Asia through Universal Lifecycle Transfers
This paper was prepared for UNICEF to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and to stimulate discussion on how to fund an effective fiscal response COVID-19 in South Asia.
COVID-19 provokes a surge in unemployment benefit claims in the UK, with claimants encountering a system that is “cruel, inhumane and degrading” and the “second harshest in the world”
The unprecedented, rapid levels of global unemployment resulting from COVID-19 and the lockdown restrictions saw huge pressures put on social protection systems worldwide. In the UK, claimants for the Universal Credit benefit reached record levels during the lockdown months of April and May.
IPC-IG and UNICEF discussion argues COVID-19 can be a catalyst to strengthen the social contract in South Asia
The COVID-19 crisis can be used as a catalyst by which to reinforce the relationship between the citizens of South Asia countries and their governments. This was a key message discussed during a webinar organised by International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth (IPC-IG), UNICEF and Development Pathways.
The social contract and the role of universal social security in building trust in government
Trust in government is the basic building block of any successful nation-state. It needs to be at the very top of the list of government priorities since, once trust is undermined, the state itself can be threatened. History tells us that a key factor in building trust is the provision of universal public services since they can be enjoyed by everyone on an equal and impartial basis.
Webinar announcement: Why are human rights considerations fundamental to social protection responses to COVID-19?
Alexandra Barrantes (Development Pathways) along with panellists from UNICEF South Asia and ECLAC, will discuss human rights considerations to the social protection response to COVID-19, and why a rights-based approach is more important than ever.