Right To Social Security

Social security guarantees dignity for all persons when they are faced with circumstances that deprive them of their capacity to fully realize their human rights.

The right to social security encompasses the right to access and maintain benefits without discrimination in order to secure protection from:

• • a lack of work-related income caused by sickness, disability, maternity, employment
    injury, unemployment, old age, or death of a family member
  • unaffordable health care
  • insufficient family support, particularly for children and adult dependents

In depth…

The right to social security and the right to decent work are two sides of the same coin. While youth unemployment and underemployment rates could be the result of a variety of factors and may not be only or directly attributable to the State, the failure to fulfill the right to work requires States to take prompt action in ensuring the right to social security, without discrimination and regardless of the form of employment. This is particularly important given young people are more likely to be in non-standard and precarious forms of work (in the so-called ‘gig-economy’) than older generations, without access to social protection.

Where can I learn more?

For more information on the right to social security, visit the UN Human Rights website on the right to social security and human rights.