We have curated a collection of foundational documents essential for developing a deep understanding of universal social protection. This collection serves as a valuable resource for researchers, civil society organizations, policymakers and practitioners seeking to explore the key legal and policy instruments – binding or not – that establish the right to social security for all, as well as the essential standards for the full realization of this right through social protection systems that are inclusive, effective, and sustainable.

This collection – comprising declarations, conventions, recommendations, agendas, charters, covenants, treaties, and various legal frameworks – is organized into three main categories:

  1. International and regional human rights instruments
  2. International and regional social security standards
  3. International development instruments

This collection is comprehensive but not exhaustive and is intended as a living resource that will be continuously updated and expanded over time. As a CSO-led initiative, we welcome feedback, suggestions, and contributions to ensure it remains relevant and useful for all. You can send your input to: socialprotectionhub@arab-reform.net or the Hub’s Listserv (if you are a member), or through this form.

International and Regional Human Rights Instruments

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) establishes the foundational principles of international human rights law, emphasizing that states bear the primary responsibility to protect, respect, and fulfill the human rights of all individuals, including both citizens and non-citizens. Articles 22 and 25 explicitly recognize the right to social security.

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The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) is a multilateral treaty that requires States Parties to take progressive steps toward the full realization of economic, social, and cultural rights to the maximum of their available resources. Article 9 explicitly guarantees the right to social security, including social insurance, for all individuals.

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The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) is the only multilateral treaty dedicated exclusively to women’s rights. It obligates States Parties to take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women in all aspects of life and to create conditions that enable women to fully enjoy and exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms. Article 11 guarantees women’s right to decent work and social security under non-discriminatory conditions, explicitly requiring the provision of social benefits during maternity leave. Article 14 explicitly recognizes the right of women in rural areas to benefit from social security programs.

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The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is a multilateral treaty that requires States Parties to take all appropriate measures to ensure the survival, protection, and development of all children up to the age of 18 without discrimination. Article 26 explicitly recognizes every child’s right to social security, including social insurance. Article 27 affirms every child’s right to a standard of living adequate for their development and explicitly requires states parties to support parents in fulfilling this right through material assistance and support programs.

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The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) is a multilateral treaty that requires States Parties to take all appropriate measures to eliminate racial discrimination in all its forms and promote tolerance among all racial and ethnic groups. Article 5 explicitly guarantees the right to work under just and favorable conditions, along with the right to social security and social services, without discrimination based on race, color, national, or ethnic origin.

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The International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (ICRMW) is a multilateral treaty that safeguards the rights of migrant workers and their families, addressing the discrimination and exploitation they often face as non-nationals. Articles 25 and 27 recognize the right to decent working conditions and social security on an equal basis with nationals. Additionally, Article 54 guarantees, among other rights, migrant workers’ entitlement to unemployment benefits.

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The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is a multilateral treaty that requires States Parties to prohibit all forms of discrimination based on disability and to ensure that individuals with all types of disabilities fully enjoy and exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms. Article 27 guarantees the right to work under just, favorable, and accessible conditions, while Article 28 explicitly recognizes the right of persons with disabilities to social protection.

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The Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (CSR) is a multilateral treaty that establishes the international legal definition of a refugee and outlines States’ obligations to protect and uphold their rights. Article 24 explicitly guarantees refugees the right to social security.

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The Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons (CSSP) is a multilateral treaty that defines the international legal status of stateless persons and sets out States’ obligations to protect and uphold their rights. Article 24 explicitly guarantees stateless persons the right to social security.

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The Protocol on the Rights of Citizens to Social Protection and Social Security supplements the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights by explicitly recognizing and strengthening the commitment to the right to social security across Africa. It emphasizes states’ obligations to ensure universal access to social protection systems, guaranteeing adequate benefits for all individuals, particularly marginalized and vulnerable groups. The Protocol reinforces the commitment to social justice and economic security, aligning regional human rights standards with international norms.

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The Arab Charter on Human Rights (ACHR) is a regional human rights treaty. It aims to promote and protect human rights within Arab League member states while accounting for the specific cultural, religious, and legal contexts of the region. Article 36 of the treaty acknowledges the right of every citizen to social security, including social insurance.

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International and Regional Social Security Standards

The Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention No. 102 (C102) is the first international treaty to establish minimum standards for social security systems, serving as a globally recognized benchmark. It is legally binding for ratifying countries and has significantly influenced key global social security frameworks.

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There are various ILO conventions and recommendations that safeguard different aspects of social security policies, including employment injury benefits, invalidity, old-age and survivor’s benefits, medical care and sickness benefits, as well as maternity and unemployment benefits. All these documents can be directly accessed using this link.

The Social Protection Floors Recommendation No. 202 (R202) is an ILO instrument that guides states in progressively achieving universal social protection through the establishment and maintenance of comprehensive, rights-based, and inclusive social protection systems. It calls on states to establish social protection floors based on four essential guarantees: access to essential healthcare for all; basic income security for children; basic income security for the elderly; and basic income security for working age populations unable to secure sufficient employment.

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The Equality of Treatment (Social Security) Convention No. 118 (C118) is an ILO treaty that guarantees migrant workers’ right to social security by establishing the principle of non-discrimination and equal treatment between nationals and non-nationals. It ensures that migrant workers are entitled to social security benefits to any one or more of the nine branches of social security defined in Convention No. 102.

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The declaration outlines key reform areas and guiding principles to shape the future of social protection in the Arab region post-COVID-19. It sets the groundwork for policymakers to commit to the progressive realization of universal, comprehensive, adequate, and sustainable social protection.

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This joint CSO declaration, hosted by the Arab Region Hub for Social Protection, and signed by over 30 organizations and 70 individuals in the region, outlines the signatories’ proposed approach to make social protection schemes in the Arab region more integrated, effective, inclusive, and viable. In doing so, it aims to consolidate a community of practice and knowledge – one that builds on the existing ecosystem working on socioeconomic rights in the Arab States. It seeks to be a working document that can help coordinate approaches and advocacy, and it strives to turn the duplication of efforts into dialogue, exchange, partnerships, and cooperation to join forces, make a stronger impact, and ultimately achieve shared goals.

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International Development Instruments

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a global framework adopted by all UN member states in 2015, outlining 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It emphasizes leaving no one behind and calls for the provision of universal social protection as a key strategy to reduce poverty (SDG 1), promote decent work (SDG 8), and reduce inequalities (SDG 10). The agenda urges governments to establish comprehensive social protection systems, including floors, to ensure access to essential services and financial security for all, especially the most vulnerable.

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The Addis Ababa Action Agenda (AAAA), adopted in 2015, is a global framework for financing sustainable development, supporting the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The agenda calls for universal social protection systems, including social protection floors, to reduce poverty, promote equality, and enhance resilience against economic shocks. It urges governments and international partners to invest in sustainable financing for social protection to ensure long-term economic and social stability.

To access the agenda: Click here!