UNDRR Asia-Pacific COVID-19 brief: Disaster-responsive social protection

This brief explores how countries in the region are leveraging social protection systems in relation to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, highlighting the challenges and successes to date. The brief also draws attention to lessons from the region, including how to ensure social protection systems are in place before a shock occurs. It also explores financing options to expand social protection coverage, especially to help reduce disaster-related vulnerability.

The brief recommends the following policy guidance (p. 5-8):

1. Invest in social protection before a disaster;
2. Promote universal social protection;
3. Integrate universal health coverage and social protection;
4. Adopt a human rights-based approach to social protection;
5. Strengthen digitization to enhance inclusion;
6. Adopt intersectional approaches to reduce vulnerabilities and reduce exclusions;
7. Adopt flexible assistance delivery modalities.