[4th AROSS] Sharpening Labour’s Role in Advancing Social Protection for All in Asia 2013

The content of this book is upon of the discussion in the Fourth Asian Roundtable on Social Security meeting which was co-organised by AMRC and the University of Philippines in Manila. The book includes country reports on social protection in Asia, overview on the road to social protection in Asia, outcome of the conference, among others. The book serves to provide comprehensive information on social protection for all from the labour perspective in Asia.

The Asian Roundtable on Social Security (AROSS) was established in 2009 to address the adverse impact of the global financial crisis on the workers of Asia, especially those who cannot enjoy their right to social protection amidst the economic adversity. Recognising the need for effective and inclusive social protection policies in the region, the Asia Monitor Resource Centre (AMRC) organised AROSS to serve as a platform to provide mutual help and sharing for facilitating individual countries to have better understanding, capacity and network building on social protection. It also aims to support and integrate the regional struggle for the development of social security for the poor across various sectors. Further, it also intends to conceptualise and programmatise the social security campaign in Asia.

''We, participants of the 4th Asian Roundtable on Social Security, call for social protection that goes beyond safety nets for select segments of society.  Social protection should be inclusive and transformative. It is non-discriminatory and encompasses all individuals, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, race, citizenship, religious belief, caste, political affiliation and employment status. We believe that the current social protection systems across Asia should move away from the prevailing neoliberal policies that prioritise financial investment over the citizens’ benefits."