Our Videos

May 23, 11

NEWS / UN-backed Asia-Pacific forum stresses social protection for poverty reduction


23 May 2011 –
Basic social protection for all segments of the population is key to protecting people from extreme poverty and economic exclusion, according to views expressed today by government representatives from the Asia-Pacific region attending a United Nations forum in Thailand.

Developing countries can afford to provide universal basic social protection, the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) says in an assessment, which formed the basis for discussions at the ESCAP Commission Session for Asia-Pacific governments being held in Bangkok.

According to the ESCAP study, entitled “The Promise of Protection,” a universal basic social protection package costs no more than 3 per cent of gross national income (GNI) and is affordable at virtually any stage of economic development.

“Social protection is not a cost,” Noeleen Heyzer, the ESCAP Executive Secretary, told the Ministerial Round Table on the topic. “It is an investment and smart economics.”

In their presentations, governments from Central Asia to the Pacific Island sub-region outlined national social protection policies and programmes tailored to their specific socio-economic conditions.

Summing up the discussions, Ms. Heyzer emphasized that social protection is also a question of entitlement and the State’s social obligation. “It is also a matter of rights. It is a social contract with our people,” she said.

According to ESCAP, social protection should not be seen simply as a “handout,” but as creating conditions which help build a “staircase” for the most vulnerable to graduate out of poverty and exclusion. By reducing their vulnerability, a “social protection floor” provides the poor with the opportunity and confidence to take risks to improve their lives.

Sixty Asia-Pacific countries are attending the annual session, which began last Thursday and will continue until Wednesday.

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=38469&Cr=Asia-Pacific&Cr1=

 




Testimonials

John Beacleay

Just wanted to say thanks again for all your help Anton. I mean it's really amazing to me that yo...
Read More »
Niranjan Sujay
I recently used LOGOS INTERNATIONAL for the translation of my bachelor’s certificate, and I couldn’t...
Read More »
Katia Nagata

As a foreigner, I needed a certified translation, so I called the DOE to give me a list of the ce...
Read More »
AnnaMaria Realbuto
Thank you for all your assistance and efficiency...
Read More »




FAQ

H-1B Petition Mailing During Cap Season
Read More »
Can I obtain FBI background check outside of the United States?
Read More »
Q. I received a stimulus payment and I want to verify that it is correct. How do I figure the payment, myself?
Read More »
Q: Would the U.S. Convention case rules apply in adoption cases where a U.S. citizen is residing in a Convention country, is considered to be habitually resident in the United States in accordance wit
Read More »






News

June 26, 25
Jefferson Davis Hospital birth certificate errors persist; causing headaches for many
Read More »
June 19, 25
Iowa man whose body was found after home explosion died of suicide – death certificate
Read More »
June 19, 25
Cruise line passenger allegedly posed as US citizen by using fake birth certificate and ID
Read More »
June 17, 25
IRS warns American to pre-pay taxes
Read More »