GCSPF e-Newsletter #111 | January 2025 Edition

USP2030 has endorsed the linking of civil registration and vital statistics databases (CRVS) with SP-MIS. USP2030 has also endorsed linking integrated beneficiary registries (IBR), which consolidates data on the benefits received by programme beneficiaries across several programmes, with SP-MIS. USP2030 endorsement was also sought for linking social registries to SP-MIS.
The GCSPF does not endorse these standards, as they fail to meet numerous criteria, including - but not limited to - respect for human rights, universality of social protection, and failure to strengthen national systems of civil registration and vital statistics. Read more

The programme “Improving Synergies Between Social Protection and Public Finance Management (SP&PFM)” was jointly implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Global Coalition for Social Protection Floors (GCSP) between 2019 and 2023.
This Conference took place a year after the programme’s completion. Uzziel Twagilimana (Deputy Director Programmes, WSM) participated on behalf of the GCSPF. Watch the video

Farah Al-Shami, Director of ARI's Social Protection Program, has been selected to represent the West Asia and North Africa (WANA) region on the World Bank & IMF Civil Society Policy Forum (CSPF) Working Group.
Over the next two years, she will collaborate with fellow civil society leaders to shape the CSPF agenda, ensuring diverse regional perspectives are heard. Read more

To strengthen the understanding and capacity on social protection within Nets and Focal Cities, WIEGO’s Social Protection Programme is implementing a three-year series of in-depth training and learning events on social protection systems as part of WIEGO School. Each year there will be one in-depth training event. Read more

Oxfam launched a new report on inequality and wealth concentration. Billionaire wealth has risen three times faster in 2024 than 2023. Five trillionaires are now expected within a decade. Meanwhile, crises of economy, climate and conflict mean the number of people living in poverty has barely changed since 1990.
This must be reversed. Reparations must be made to those who were brutally enslaved and colonised. Our modern-day colonial economic system must be made radically more equal to end poverty. The cost should be borne by the richest people who benefit the most. Read more

In a resounding victory for South Africa’s most vulnerable, the North Gauteng (Pretoria) High Court handed down judgment in the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant court case, finding in the IEJ and #PayTheGrants’ favour on every major issue.
In addition to finding against the government on every major issue, the judgment rebukes the government in three important respects, vindicating what civil society has been arguing for years. Read more

Development Pathways' New Podcast. An illuminating conversation with Lena Simet (Human Rights Watch) and Farah Al Shami (Arab Reform Initiative) to explore social security as a fundamental human right.
Lena Simet and Farah Al Shami explore how a lack of political will often blocks access to universal social security, despite its recognition in national constitutions and international law. We examine practical solutions for policymakers and what it takes to transform constitutional commitments into real social security systems that reach the over 4 billion people currently excluded from social security. Listen here

The Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Mr. Olivier De Schutter, published his statement  on the Second World Summit for Social Development 2025.
The statement sets out four priorities that the WSSD2 cannot afford to ignore if it is to achieve this goal: combating poverty beyond growth, prohibiting discrimination on grounds of poverty, making social protection floors truly universal and ensuring supply chains contribute to the fight against poverty. Read more

UNRISD launched a global consultation to collect perspectives and suggestions as key inputs for shaping the outcomes of the WSSD and future implementation of its programme of action. This is a great opportunity to have your voice heard.
Deadline for submissions: 3 February 2025 - 23:59 CET Read more