Social justice: Half of the world's population without social protection

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Corona has aggravated the situation of people without social protection again (symbol picture)

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Chris Huby / imago images / Le Pictorium

According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), half of the world's population has no social protection. Especially after the experience with the corona crisis with often surprising unemployment or long periods of illness, it is time for the states to take better care of themselves, the ILO said. "The countries are at a crossroads," said ILO Director General Guy Ryder. Effective and comprehensive social protection is essential not only for social justice and decent work, but also for creating a sustainable and resilient future.

According to the report, the picture is very different from region to region.

The population in Europe and Central Asia as well as in North and South America is still relatively well protected.

Many people could count on some kind of support here - for example unemployment benefits, pensions, support in the event of accidents at work or access to the health system.

In contrast, there are far greater security gaps in Asia and the Pacific, in the Arab states and above all in Africa.

Worldwide only every third person with a disability receives a material allowance.

Only every fifth unemployed person is effectively protected.

"This branch of social security is still the least developed," announced the ILO.

Social protection spending varies

Government spending on social protection also varied considerably.

According to the ILO, countries spend on average 12.8 percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) on social protection (excluding health).

High-income countries spent 16.4 percent and low-income countries only 1.1 percent of their GDP on social protection.

The corona pandemic threatens to undo previous successes in reducing poverty.

Although many countries have tried to adjust social benefits, the situation has tended to worsen due to the increased need.

"The temptation to return to budget consolidation to meet the massive public spending caused by Covid-19 must be resisted," the report said.

hba / dpa