Policy Brief: Developing Shock Responsive Social Protection System to Mitigate the Impact of COVID-19, Enable Speedy Recovery and Strengthen the Resilience of Vulnerable People in ASEAN

In 2020, the corona virus spread around the globe, and its containment measures resulted in unprecedented socio-economic impacts. ASEAN region’s economy is estimated to experience a decline between 3.5 and 4.7 per cent for 2020. The restrictions to contain the virus spread, although necessary, hit many households income, particularly of the most vulnerable. Yet other disasters have continued to hit the region. Convergence of the impacts of compounded shocks from multiple hazards, can push vulnerable households into deeper or prolonged deprivation and poverty.

Social protection is a core part of the efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, facilitate speedy recovery and strengthen the resilience of poor and vulnerable people. Governments have been rolling out social protection at an unprecedented scale in response to COVID-19. Well established social protection systems are an important part of any adequate crisis response.

The COVID-19 pandemic is changing rapidly, while having immediate as well as medium- and long-term cumulative impacts on economies. Social protection has shown its relevance and positive impact in the initial phases of the crisis. The next phases, particularly during recovery to build back better, provide an opportunity to expand the role of social protection in a transition toward equitable, green and sustainable economies, while building more risk-informed, shock responsive and resilient social protection systems in ASEAN.