Social Protection in the European Social Model

Ellen Nygren, LO Sweden 2012

Social Security is a human right

• Universal Declaration of Human Rights art 22: ”Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security”

• ILO recommendation 202

International obligations on social security, although a national

responsibility• ILO

• Council of Europe

• EU

Why international obligations?

• National responsibility

• Social justice

• Goals

• Supervisory procedure

Reasons for social security

• Investment in people

• Adjustment to changes in labour market and economy

• Automatic social and economic stabilizers

• Help stimulate aggregate demand in times of crisis

• Reduce poverty

Content of social protection/social security?

• Definitions in conventions:

Income security during unemployment, illness, old age, maternity

Access to services like health care, education, nutrition

National responsibility

• The content is defined in national legislation

• Individual rights according to legislation

• Application of interntional standards

European coordination

• Free movement of workers requires coordination of social security to come true

• National definitions and conditions may vary

• Awareness raising and information

Trade Unions have a role to play

• Monitoring

• Complaints procedure

• Claiming the application of international regulations

• Political pressure

• Awareness raising! Know your rights!