Improve social protection measures for the lives of citizens

DUE to its geographical location, Myanmar frequently fac­es various natural disasters and challenges, resulting in considerable damage and losses in all seasons. Therefore, the government has formed disaster management committees and organizations at different levels to mitigate and prevent the impacts of such disasters as much as possible, and to reduce risks to the lives and property of citizens.

 

In addition to addressing natural disasters, it is also necessary to ensure the recovery and development of human resources, with particular focus on protecting vulnerable groups through so­cial protection measures. In establishing a social protec­tion system, Myanmar must implement the four approach­es outlined in the National So­cial Protection Strategic Plan, carrying them out collectively with the participation of all citizens.

 

Four key dimensions of­ten emphasized in National Social Protection Strategic Plans (NSPSP) are the protec­tive social protection, the pre­ventive social protection, the promotive social protection, and the transformative social protection. These pillars aim to provide comprehensive pro­tection by offering income se­curity, supportive services for people in vulnerable groups, targeted help for immediate needs, and programmes to enhance self-sufficiency and employment opportunities.

 

Through the implemen­tation of the four approaches, social protection activities can pro­gress from emergency response and providing relief to affected populations, towards continuous prevention and enhancement, ultimately contributing to the establishment of fully capable hu­man resources. If so, those human resources will be reliable for nation-building endeavours in the future.

 

In implementing the four dimensions of social protection, the social protection needs of the three age groups – children, youth and young adults, and the elderly – must be addressed. In doing so, it is necessary to review and update the National Social Protec­tion Strategic Plan 2014 to align it with current circumstances. At present, the National Social Protection Committee aims, as part of a long-term process, to study and consolidate sectoral social protection laws so that when a legislative body is established in the future, a comprehensive “Social Protection Law” covering the needs of Myanmar can be enacted.

 

In Myanmar, to ensure social security for all residents, support is being provided to pregnant mothers and their children under the age of two through cash assistance in some regions and states, social pension payments, and comprehensive social protection services. The citizens under the social protection will have safety of life with confidence in their livelihoods, as well as serving the interests of the nation throughout their lives.