Universal Social Protection: A Path Towards Stability in the Middle East and North Africa

Middle East and North Africa: Embrace Social Protection for All

Introduction

In recent years, governments in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region have faced increasing economic pressure and instability. However, their responses to these challenges have been piecemeal and targeted, rather than comprehensive and universal. To address this issue, Human Rights Watch, in partnership with the Arab Region Hub for Social Protection, has called on governments in the region to develop and fund social protection systems that fulfill all people’s right to social security. This report explores the importance of universal social protection, the shortcomings of current approaches, and provides recommendations for governments to adopt more inclusive and effective strategies.

The Right to Social Security

Under international human rights law, everyone has the right to social security, which includes protection against income insecurity in various life situations. This encompasses old age, unemployment, sickness, giving birth, caring for dependents, and more. Despite these legal obligations, governments in the MENA region have not developed comprehensive social security strategies. Instead, they have relied on narrow and often error-prone programs that target specific socio-economic groups, leaving many people without adequate protection.

The Limitations of Targeted Approaches

The current targeted programs in the region have significant limitations. Only 40 percent of people in the MENA region have effective coverage in at least one area of social protection, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO). These programs often exclude workers in the informal economy, who make up the majority in many countries. Additionally, eligibility criteria for these programs create barriers and errors, resulting in exclusion of eligible individuals and inclusion of ineligible ones. Patronage and corruption further undermine the effectiveness of these programs.

The Need for Universal Social Protection

Universal social protection, which aims to protect all people from income insecurity at critical moments in their lives, is a more inclusive and effective approach. It provides support to everyone in specific categories, such as children and people with disabilities, instead of targeting only specific socio-economic groups. By adopting universal social protection systems, governments can ensure that no one is left behind and that all individuals have access to the support they need, irrespective of their socio-economic status.

Challenges and Opportunities in Financing

One of the main challenges in implementing universal social protection in the MENA region is financing. However, there are various opportunities to close financing gaps and maximize resources. Phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, which are burdensome on government budgets, can generate public savings that could be redirected towards social protection. Governments can also adopt progressive tax systems, combat tax evasion and avoidance, and eradicate illicit financial flows.

Recommendations

To develop and fund comprehensive social protection systems, governments in the MENA region should:

1. Embrace a rights-based approach to social security and recognize it as the responsibility of the state.
2. Shift from piecemeal and targeted approaches to universal social protection systems that include all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status.
3. Close financing gaps by reallocating existing public spending, adopting progressive tax systems, combatting tax evasion and avoidance, and eradicating illicit financial flows.
4. Seek support from wealthier nations to establish a Global Fund for Social Protection that can provide resources to enable all governments in the region to achieve universal social protection.

Conclusion

The MENA region is at a critical juncture, facing economic challenges and the need for social cohesion. By embracing universal social protection, governments can fulfill their human rights obligations, reduce inequality, and create a more stable and inclusive society. It is time for regional governments to move beyond piecemeal approaches and develop strategies that ensure all individuals have access to social security, regardless of their socio-economic status.

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