SOCIAL SECURITY AS A HUMAN RIGHTS

What is social security?

Social security may be defined as any programme of social protection established by
legislation, or any other mandatory arrangement, that provides individuals with a degree of
income security when faced with the contingencies of old age, survivorship, incapacity,
disability, unemployment or rearing children. It may also offer access to curative or
preventive medical care.

INTRODUCTION
Right to social security is a kind of natural right and it is recognized as a basic human right
by most of the international personality. The concept of social security was first introduced in
Germany in 1883.According to this scheme each member of a particular trade (blacksmiths,
painters, weavers etc.) was required to contribute at regular intervals; Money from this fund
was used for food, lodging, hospital and funeral expenses of aged and disabled members.

HIGHLIGHTS
Social security is a human right which responds to the universal need for protection against
certain life risks and social needs. Effective social security systems guarantee income security
and health protection, thereby contributing to the prevention and reduction of poverty and
inequality, and the promotion of social inclusion and human dignity. They do so through the
provision of benefits, in cash or in kind, intended to ensure access to medical care and health
services, as well as income security throughout the life cycle, particularly in the event of
illness, unemployment, employment injury, maternity, family responsibilities, invalidity, loss
of the family breadwinner, as well as during retirement and old age. Social security systems
therefore constitute an important investment in the well-being of workers and the community
as a whole, and facilitate access to education and vocational training, nutrition and essential
goods and services

. In relation with other policies, social security contributes to improving productivity and
employability, and to economic development. For employers and enterprises, social security
helps to maintain a stable workforce that can adapt to changes. Finally, it reinforces social
cohesion and therefore contributes to building social peace, inclusive societies and a fair
globalization by ensuring decent living conditions for all.

SUGGESTIONS
 Adequacy and appropriateness: The level of benefits provided under the various
schemes should be adequate and appropriate. The kind of benefits provided should
also be appropriate to the kind of risk or contingency faced (e.g., maternity benefits
should be paid for a period appropriate to the demands of child-birth and infant-care).

 Respect for equality: Social security programs should not discriminate unfairly
against anyone on grounds such as race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion,
political opinion, national or social origin, birth or socio-economic status.

 Respect for procedural rights: The rules and procedures governing eligibility for
social security programs, as well as the termination of benefits, must be reasonable
and fair. � Persons aggrieved by an adverse legal rule or administrative decision
should have access to speedy, affordable and effective legal remedies for the
determination of their rights.