Improving social protection coverage for all

International Labour Standards

The ILO has developed a comprehensive set of Conventions and Recommendations on social protection. These global standards lay the foundation for robust social security systems, defining their fundamental principles and outlining crucial factors that secure their long-term viability and effectiveness.

The landmark Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1952 (No. 102) sets out principles and minimum levels of protection to be guaranteed by national social security systems, aiming to ensure that all people, including workers and their families, are adequately protected.

The Social Protection Floors Recommendation, 2012 (No. 202) is the first international labour standard that reaffirms the right to social security for all. It provides guidance on how to build comprehensive social security systems, including national social protection floors for all in need, comprising also the unprotected, the poor, and the most vulnerable. This way, we ensure that all members of society enjoy at least essential healthcare and basic income security throughout their lives.

What the ILO does in social protection

The ILO aims to improve social protection and ensure a sustainable and resilient future, in collaboration with development partners such as the Global Business Network; the Social Protection, Freedom, and Justice for Workers Network; and partnerships with the United Nations, among others.

Global Flagship Programme on Building Social Protection Floors for All

The Global Flagship Programme assists 50 countries in developing and extending their national social protection systems. It covers 16 thematic areas related to social protection, offers policy and technical support for creating new schemes and reforms (or improving old ones), and collaborates with UN agencies, IFIs, and other partners to enhance the impact of the ILO’s initiatives. For example, in partnership with the EU on the Improving Synergies Between Social Protection and Public Finance Management Programme (SP&PFM), it focuses on strengthening social protection systems, improving fiscal management, and prioritizing inclusion, particularly gender and disability. Experts provide technical assistance and research to share best practices and tools for application in different country contexts, while strategic alliances ensure a coordinated approach to supporting countries.

Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions

Launched in September 2021 by the UN Secretary-General, the Global Accelerator aims to create 400 million decent jobs, particularly in green, digital, and care sectors, and extend social protection to 4 billion excluded individuals. It unites member States, international financial institutions, social partners, civil society, and the private sector to address the challenges intensified by COVID-19 and global crises. The initiative operates through three pillars: evidence-based strategies, integrated financing, and enhanced multilateral cooperation. It emphasizes human rights, social dialogue, and participation, initially focusing on selected pathfinder countries. A Technical Support Facility strengthens implementation through UN expertise and financial partnerships.

Champa’s journey: Advocating for domestic workers’ protection

The challenges of an immigrant domestic worker

Champa, a 46-year-old migrant domestic worker from Myanmar, left her village at a young age to work in Bangkok to support her family. She faced challenges due to her immigration status. Likewise, she experienced long working hours without days off and difficulty in asserting her rights. Over time, she realized the importance of workers’ rights.

Advocating for social protection

Champa became involved with HomeNet Thailand and the Network of Migrant Domestic Workers. She learned about rights such as a day off and social security benefits, emphasizing the legitimacy of domestic work as a contributing occupation.

As a local leader, Champa calls for the inclusion of domestic workers in social security programmes, highlighting the significance of domestic work to the country's economy. She is dedicated to ensuring a better future for all domestic workers.

The ILO’s support for domestic workers

The ILO played a crucial role in Champa’s journey. It supported the Thai Ministry of Labour’s review of laws regulating domestic work, potentially extending labour rights and social protection to domestic workers. The ILO’s efforts align with Champa’s advocacy for better conditions and social security for domestic workers.

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