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Workshop on Social Security Law
Workshop on ILO Social Security Standards and draft Social Security Law, Thalath (Lao PDR), 4-5 April 2013, co-organized by Social security department of the MOLSW and the ILO
Objectives:
(1) Learn about the ILO Social Security standards;
(2) Discuss the Draft Social Security Law.
Participants: representatives from various ministries involved (MOLSW, MOPH, MOF, MODefense, MOPUblic Security, MOJustice), LFTU, LNCCI, National Assembly, SSO and SASS, ILO and WHO. The workshop was chaired by Mr Bounkong, Vice-Minister, MOLSW.
Purpose of the new Draft Social Security Law:
- So far the two schemes (SSO and SASS) were governed by Decrees (No 70 and 207). The enactment of a Law is needed to ensure the sustainability of both schemes and guarantee protection of insured people. Both schemes are similar in nature and there are many overlaps; keeping two schemes did not make sense from an administration point of view.
- The Social security law is based on principles of solidarity, participation (through the payment of contributions). It will contribute to the creation of a more equitable society
- The Social security law also aims at extending coverage to the informal sector through adapted mechanisms and collection of contribution. According to the Seventh five years plan social security has to be extended to all provinces, and by 2015 health care coverage needs to be extended to 50 percent of the population. People should have access to basic health care
Social security Law aims at protecting the rights and interests of the people. It will contribute to prepare Lao PDR for the ASEAN community by 2015. With the adoption of the social security law we will have legal tools to support the extension of coverage. We need to make the SS fund sustainable through contributions from workers and employers. We need to extend the SS fund to the self-employed people. We need to redistribute income, all this based on social solidarity and social justice.
Session 1 – ILO Social Security Standards
Session 2 - Social security financing / principles and considerations on the draft Law