Social Protection in South Asia Geneva, 15 March 2017 Markus Ruck Social Security Specialist Decent Work Technical Support Team for South Asia

Trends Social protection is emerging as a key policy issue in South Asia All South Asian countries provide some form of social protection, although it is not broadly understood as an entitlement that people can claim as citizens There are some efforts to move towards a more systemic and unified approach in several countries

Challenges and Opportunities Informal employment is pervasive throughout South Asia A lack of political will and fragmented social dialogue result in poor fiscal space. There is scope for strengthening the national consensus on social protection. Shortcomings in terms of design and implementation abound The opportunity exists for countries to mainstream social protection into national economic and social development policies. Countries have the opportunity to invest in adequate delivery mechanisms and develop appropriate dissemination strategies and channels.

Three main points for action Legislative reforms Capacity building and awareness raising DWCPs and UNDAFs