BACKGROUND
Social security:
an important instrument in the fight against poverty
Three quarters of the world’s population have to live without any sort of social security. They have no protection against risks such as sickness and unemployment. One hundred million people each year fall below the poverty line simply because they cannot cope with the financial burden entailed by sickness. Sickness is the most common cause of impoverishment in the world. Social security is a human right. But it is also essential to sustainable economic development and successful poverty reduction – and thus a key to attaining the Millennium Development Goals. more
APPROACHES AND INSTRUMENTS
Redistribution based on solidarity provides protection against impoverishment
More than one billion people live in extreme poverty. Social security systems help reduce poverty and encourage long-term social and economic development. Development cooperation meets the challenges at various levels, for example health insurance, basic security and old-age security. more
THE GERMAN CONTRIBUTION
Policy dialogue, advisory services, financial support
Germany, together with its partner countries, has been actively promoting social security for many years. The strengthening of social security systems and the provision of basic social services is an area of action of the German poverty reduction policy. Germany is working actively in some 30 countries to strengthen social security systems. more
DOCUMENTS AND LINKS
Further information on the subject
You will find here a selection of links to documents and websites with further information on the subject of social security. more
Publications
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Strengthening Social Protection Systems in Developing Countries and Emerging Economies
(PDF 388 KB, accessible) -
Sector Strategy on
Social Protection
Strategies 190
(PDF 777 KB, accessible) -
Cornerstones of Youth Employment Promotion in Development Cooperation
A BMZ discussion paper
Discourse 007
(PDF 521 KB)