All publications: social protection + social assistance + social security + pension schemes + social security financing + social security legislation + social security policy + social services

Report

Unlocking the transformative potential of lifecycle social protection through an integrated and multi-tiered system

A summary report on Oman’s reform of its social security system explores how the country is building a rights-based, integrated and sustainable social protection system that expands coverage across the lifecycle.

Working paper 172

Social Justice: The Historical Evolution of a Shared Ideal

This working paper traces the historical evolution of social justice, from early practices of care and mutual aid to its development as a global political ideal. It explores how the concept has been shaped by philosophical traditions, social...

Technical Brief

Technical Brief: National Employment Injury Scheme in Bangladesh

The Government of Bangladesh has committed to making the EIS a national scheme by July 2027. This marks a shift from the existing employer-liability system, found in Chapter XII of the Bangladesh Labour Act (BLA), to a nationally administered,...

Universal health coverage

Maternity benefits in the ASEAN: Progress and Opportunities for Integrated Approaches across Social Protection and Health Systems

Ensuring income security and access to healthcare without hardship during maternity are key elements of maternity protection and essential to support maternal and child health while ensuring that women can effectively engage in the labour force on...

Social protection

Government Licensing and Public Bidding Process Mapping for Social Security Compliance in Lao PDR

In alignment with national policies such as the 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2021-2025) and the National Social Protection Strategy of 2020-2025, the Government of Lao PDR prioritizes ensuring that businesses comply with social...

Social Protection Spotlight brief

Extending social protection coverage to workers in the agricultural sector and their families: Lessons from international experience

This brief presents the key challenges in extending coverage to workers in the agricultural sector and sketches out possible solutions and good practices countries are employing to expand coverage to this sector.

ILO-UNV Joint publication

Informal volunteering: Trends and characteristics

The report focuses on informal volunteering, the most widespread but least well understood form of volunteer work. It aims to address major evidence gaps by analysing who engages in informal volunteering, how, and under what conditions across...

ILO Brief

Intervention Model: How to extend social protection to migrant workers, refugees and other displaced persons in the context of climate...

This Intervention Model aims to provide policymakers and practitioners with succinct practical guidance on how to extend social protection to migrant workers, refugees and other displaced populations so as to protect them against the adverse effects...

ILO key messages for the EU Global Health Resilience Initiative

The International Labour Office has contributed to the European Commission’s consultation on the EU Global Health Resilience Initiative. This brief highlights key elements for such an initiative.

Flagship Programme

ILO Global Flagship Programme on Building Social Protection Floors for All: Strategy for the third phase (2026-30)

Launched in 2016, the ILO’s Global Flagship Programme on Building Social Protection Floors for All has provided a coherent framework for advancing universal social protection through a shared theory of change, a common results framework and...

Flagship Programme

ILO Global Flagship Programme on Building Social Protection Floors for All: Report of the second phase (2021–25)

Launched in 2016, the ILO’s Global Flagship Programme on Building Social Protection Floors for All (SPF Flagship Programme) supports ILO member States in developing sustainable social protection systems, including floors, and contributing to the...

Social Protection Spotlight brief

Social health protection for gender equality

This brief shows that social health protection is key to ensuring effective access to quality healthcare for women, and support their income security during sickness and maternity.

Social protection

Case study on improving maternity insurance practices in China

This publication intends to capture key recent reform measures in China’s maternity protection, with a focus on reducing maternal healthcare costs and the individual financial burden of giving birth. It reviews and analyses current national...

World of Work series

Employment and Social Trends 2026

The Employment and Social Trends 2026 report examines the state of global labour markets, highlighting stable headline employment alongside stalled progress in job quality and widening inequalities. The report analyses productivity, demographic and...

Policy Dialogue Series Report

Towards an inclusive, integrated, and sustainable social protection system in Lebanon

With support from the European Union and the United Kingdom, this joint International Labour Organization–Arab Reform Initiative publication explores reform pathways across core pillars of the National Social Protection Strategy – social assistance,...

January 2026

Emergency employment in the Occupied Palestinian Territory

Employment promotion is a primary goal of the International Labour Organization's (ILO) Emergency Response Plan's (ERP) Recovery Programme in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The ERP is supported by a multi-donor pooled funding arrangement...

Social protection

Good practices using social protection to promote a just transition in China (2): Leveraging social security to support steel industry...

This brief examines social security policies and coordination mechanisms during industrial transformation and upgrading process in China’s steel sector by reviewing policy implementation outcomes and drawing lessons from China’s experience. It aims...

Building a Unified Framework for Sustainable Formalisation and Economic Inclusion

Towards a Coordinated Approach to Formalisation in Jordan: Mapping Systems, Challenges, and Opportunities

The informal economy in Jordan plays a significant role in providing livelihoods, yet its scale and dynamics present important challenges for ensuring that workers and enterprises can benefit fully from the protections and opportunities of...

Briefing note

Establishment of Skills Development Fund in Indonesia: Status of the discussion and possible way forward

This briefing note captures the current status of discussions and outlines a practical, four-phased approach for establishing the ISDF. It offers insights into how Indonesia can create an outcome-oriented skills financing model that empowers...

Two -page summary

PROSPECTS in Action: Vision, Milestones, and Impact - Summary

This two-page summary details the PROSPECTS Partnership's vision and impact, demonstrating its shift from humanitarian aid to sustainable solutions for forced displacement. It promotes self-reliance and inclusion for forcibly displaced persons and...