Social protection

Social protection can be an effective mechanism to address childhood poverty and breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty. Social protection packages could include cash transfers such as child benefit or a pension, or in-kind benefits such as food aid and waivers from fees for health care and education, or livelihood support such as microfinance.

Social protection is founded on the premise that all of society's citizens have a responsibility for protecting the vulnerable and alleviating poverty, and the state plays the mediating role in redistribution from the rich to the poor. Social protection sets a minimum standard of social and economic security that protects citizens against vulnerability and deprivation. There is growing evidence that well thought out social protection packages are affordable and effective.

When done properly, social protection can enhance people's quality of life by developing and unleashing human potential, increasing stability, advancing social justice and equity, and promoting economic dynamism.

Plan is calling for donor governments to support developing country governments to deliver social protection for the poorest and most vulnerable.

Find out more

Briefing note on social protection
Download Plan's briefing note on ending child poverty and securing child rights

Social protection: Briefing Paper
Download Plan's recent policy paper on social protection

Parliamentary presentation
Download Plan's recent parliamentary presentation  

Social protection: making child poverty history?
Plan and ODI (Overseas Development Institute) organised a joint series of lunchtime discussion meetings in London on 'Social protection: making child poverty history?'

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