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.
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.
Special Rapporteur cites universal social protection as essential in eradicating poverty
A new report has been submitted by Philip Alston, the former United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights. Alston warns that states and global organisations are “completely off track” to meet the Sustainable Development Goal of eradicating extreme poverty by 2030.
COVID-19, the social contract and the need for a new normal for social protection
Our Social Policy Specialist David Hillson takes a look at the recent historical role of the social contract in social protection within the context of COVID-19.
New Podcast: “Investing in Child benefits in a COVID-19 World”
This week, the Pathways’ Perspectives podcast team released their second episode: “Investing in Child Benefits in a COVID-19 World”. The latest episode of Pathways’ Perspectives: The Podcast features Yolande Wright, Director of Poverty Reduction, Climate Resilience, Gender...
Assessment of the Social Protection System in Georgia: Final report
Development Pathways has supported the ILO, and its partner UN Women, to complete a general assessment of the social protection system in Georgia. The assessment (carried out during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020) was undertaken from a lifecycle perspective and in reference to international experiences, as well as to social security standards and conventions.
Reversal of years of international cooperation and domestic investment in social policy expenditure marks a worrying trend in Brazil
Brazil’s recent political history has seen a reversal of the direction of travel of its progressive role, internationally, and domestically, regarding its spending on social policy. This is the claim made in a recent article focusing on Brazil’s political and economic experiences and fiscal tightening since 2016.
Webinar announcement – Towards universality: social policy and social protection beyond charity in the SWANA region
On Thursday 17 September 2020, Dr Stephen Kidd and Ghada Barsoum will speak in a webinar hosted by Lebanon Support: Towards universality: social policy and social protection beyond charity in the SWANA region.
Digital Transformation in the age of COVID-19
Digital progress in the public sector has been slow in the past, but the economic, social and political challenges presented by the COVID-19 crisis and resulting lockdown have forced governments to accelerate their transformation plans.
Moving beyond charity in the SWANA region – the time is now for a new social contract
Is it time for a new social contract based on universal social protection in the Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA) region?