It is far from fair and inclusive globalization:
Over 5b people lack social protection
UNITED NATIONS: Two thirds of the world’s population live without
social security protection, according to a United Nations report
released Thursday which prompted calls from key leaders for improved
welfare.
About 5.1 billion people out of the 7.0 billion global population
lack adequate social security or social protection and only about 15
percent of the world’s jobless receive some form of unemployment
benefit, said the report.
At a time when many western countries are cutting back on benefits, a
high-level panel headed by former Chilean president Michele Bachelet
called on the Group of 20 powers summit at Cannes, France next week to
extend welfare protection.
Their report, “Social Protection Floor for a Fair and Inclusive
Globalization” said a wider spread of benefits would boost economic
growth and head off social tensions.
“If you ensure that people thrive you will have a more peaceful and
stable country,” Bachelet said at a press conference launching the
report. The presidents of France and Brazil were among leaders to
welcome the report, according to a statement released by the
International Labour Office, a UN agency.
“Building up a social protection floor in each country will take
time,” said French leader Nicolas Sarkozy, who will host the G20 summit
on November 3-4.
“Certainly we cannot impose upon the poorest countries the standards
and social systems of the wealthiest. But progress must be made,” he
added.
Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff said her country is “committed to
the implementation of the social protection floor” and the work of
Bachelet, who has since become head of the UN Women agency, would
influence social policies around the world.
AFP
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