Disability-inclusive social protection
Context
Persons with disabilities face barriers in accessing employment, education and healthcare, in addition to dealing with disability-related costs and the lack of access to support services. As a result, they are more exposed to the risks of poverty and exclusion throughout their life cycle.
Despite these challenges, only 33.5% of persons with severe disabilities worldwide are covered by effective social protection measures. Moreover, coverage varies substantially across the globe: less than 20% are entitled to a disability benefit in some countries and regions.
Countries employ various contributory and non-contributory social protection schemes and benefits to safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities and promote their empowerment and participation. However, there are still many challenges in terms of design, coverage and adequacy of programmes.
There is a need to foster more inclusive social protection systems that promote the empowerment and participation of persons with disabilities, in line with the rights and principles set out in relevant international standards, namely:
- The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
- The ILO Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention No. 102
- The ILO Social Protection Floors Recommendation No. 202
The COVID-19 crisis
The pandemic and its socio-economic impact have increased pressure on persons with disabilities, who already faced inequalities, social exclusion and other obstacles before the crisis.
Many persons with disabilities are likely more vulnerable to the disease due to underlying health conditions. Moreover, lockdowns and social distancing measures implemented to contain the virus have created significant disruptions to support systems.
Those not covered by social protection schemes have been particularly exposed to the economic shock related to COVID-19.
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