The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have emphasized the critical need for building resilient social security systems to navigate the successive challenges exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
GCC Countries Underscore Importance of Building Robust Social Security Systems
🔗To learn more: https://t.co/OVd5pk7Uys#MOFAQatar pic.twitter.com/YaCJNmbweL
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) March 9, 2024
In a statement delivered by Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations in Geneva, Dr. Hind Abdulrahman Al Muftah, on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, during the “panel discussion on the right to social security” at the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council, the GCC underscored the significance of robust social security systems in addressing the multifaceted impacts of global crises.
Dr. Al Muftah highlighted the financial constraints, economic challenges, and disparate income levels faced by nations, which directly impede their ability to fulfill social security obligations. She emphasized that such challenges are exacerbated by the widening financial gap and underscored the need for better opportunities for countries to benefit from best practices, exchange experiences, and receive technical support.
The statement elucidated that acute disparity remains a major obstacle in many countries, where socially marginalized groups often lack adequate protection or have unmet basic needs. It stressed the importance of bolstering social security systems to meet international standards effectively and efficiently, affirming the GCC countries’ commitment to ensuring citizens and residents enjoy their full rights without discrimination.
Moreover, the GCC countries highlighted their significant investment in resources to enhance social security systems, motivated by the belief that robust systems are fundamental for citizens and residents to access their entitlements. They noted their advanced positions in global standards for social security quality.
At a collective level, the statement further outlined the GCC countries’ adoption of a unified system to extend insurance protection to GCC citizens. This system ensures comprehensive social coverage across all six GCC nations, underscoring the commitment to providing quality social security to all citizens.
