Social protection and inclusion

Social assistance programmes in Mozambique

Author: Philippe

  14 November 2007 

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Tags: Moçambique Mozambique social assistance Social assistance programmes in Mozambique

I've participed on 23-24 August 2007 to a workshop in Maputo (Mozambique) on "Social protection as a mechanism for social inclusion", jointly organized by the ILO and its STEP Portugal project, the Ministry for Women and Social Welfare (MMAS) and RHVP (Regional Hunger and Vulnerability Programme). The 2-days workshop aimed at strenghtening the capacity of Ministry of Women and Social Welfare and the National Institute of Social Welfare (INAS).
The first day presented some background on social protection, as well as a series of showcases of social assistance programme (mainly cash transfers) from southern Africa and Latin America. It provides some evidence on the positive impact on economic growth, poverty reduction and improved access to social services (i.e education and health). The second day serves as a basis to discuss strategies to extend social protection in Mozambique under the new social protection law. The organizers finally conclude and commit to continue supporting the minister for Women and Social Affairs, and other national autorities (notably Ministry of Labour in chaarge of the social security scheme) in reducing the decent work deficits, in particular through the eypansion of social protection.

For more information on the workshop, go to   http://www.wahenga.net/index.php/views/workshop_view/seminario_aug2007

World Conference “Social Protection and Inclusion : converging efforts from a global perspective”, Lisbon 2 - 3 October 2006

Author: Philippe

  02 November 2007 

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The World Conference “Social Protection and Inclusion: Converging efforts from a global perspective” was convened by the International Labour Office, the Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity of Portugal, and the European Commission.

This Conference was held within the framework of the common objective of promoting "Decent Work for All", established between the three organizing bodies. The event was organized within the scope of the Cooperation Agreement between the Government of the Portuguese Republic and the International Labour Organization (ILO) for the implementation of the project “ Fight against Social Exclusion" (STEP/Portugal 2).

The findings of the conference were the following.

The organisers of the Conference share the common view that social security/social protection is a fundamental human right and an instrument to achieve social cohesion, social peace and inclusion:

• Social transfers are potentially powerful tools for a direct and fast reduction of poverty in the world. 
• The impact of social transfers on poverty reduction and social inclusion is strengthened, when closely linked with measures ensuring better access to basic social services and with employment policies. 
• Initiatives and actions at the local level, integrating both economic and social dimensions and harmonized with economic and social strategies at the national level, developed in a process of social dialogue, increase the effectiveness of social policies in combating social poverty and social exclusion.

The Conference further concluded the following on some of the specific issues which had been presented and discussed:

• Linking social security with labour market policies and fostering social inclusion
• Promoting integrated economic and social development at the local level
• Improving access of vulnerable groups to social services

For more information. www.psi-conflisboa.com