UNICEF Social Protection Training Course Course Summary Mark Davies 24th July 2009

Outline Learning outcomes Meeting gaps – child sensitive social protection Considering appropriate social protection to achieve our aims Towards a comprehensive approach – how far have we got how much further have we to go?

Introduction Learning outcomes Have relevant knowledge understanding and skills to engage in national and international social protection policies, programmes and policy processes  Consider what is required to include a child sensitive approach to these fora

Child sensitive social protection Why CSSP? Social protection must be child sensitive – compelling case why it must invest in children Clear case to intervene early Child sensitive social protection can break the chains of inter-generational transmission of poverty

Child sensitive social protection Four elements to CSSP Include the child at all stages of their lifecycle We know it is critical to support children throughout their lifecycle Some children are missed out at some key stages in current social protection interventions

Child sensitive social protection Including marginalised and hard to reach children in social protection interventions Use social protection to reach and respond to marginalisation & exclusion Ensure existing social protection initiatives look to reach marginalised groups High negative effects of not considering marginalisation and power in programming Currently under researched and not adequately considered part of SP approaches and agenda

Child sensitive social protection c) Principles of child sensitive social protection  Towards a greater understanding of what it child sensitive social protection entails Linkages and support between child protection, social protection and social policy – opportunities for synergy and clarity Child protection and social protection combined = an holistic protection approach

Child sensitive social protection d) Indirect targeting Looking beyond the child - understanding how interventions not targeted on children may impact on them Conversely don’t assume child-targeted interventions will reach all vulnerable and marginalised children

Appropriate social protection Carefully considering objectives Look for and understand interaction between poverty, risk and vulnerability and how social protection can respond Be clear on the objectives – they should drive our approach not the availability of the instrument or available resources Consider a broad set of objectives - developing human capabilities; promoting social justice; social cohesion; promoting economic activity

Appropriate social protection Linkages and limits of social protection Objectives of instruments can be multiple and vary according to context, timing, duration of intervention etc. In making the case and optimising the intervention think carefully about exactly, where, when and why objectives support each other A clearer view of objectives enables us to consider the linkages and limits of social protection: protection, prevention, promotion, transformation

Appropriate social protection Linkages and limits of social protection How our social protection objectives relate to and support out child protection objectives – clarifying definitional issues How SP supports other complimentary activities in helping us to achieve our wider development goals Ensure approaches outside of SP are not overlooked or that complimentary activities are not missed

Appropriate social protection How and where can linkages be made In the design of programmes and pilots In social protection policies and frameworks and wider poverty reduction or growth strategies

Appropriate social protection Linkages, boundaries, definitions and appropriateness of interventions depends on your own context: Poverty Levels of: Cultural factors Existing programmes Power relationships Vulnerability Role of other stakeholders Resources National priorities Available evidence Exclusion Political economy Gender HIV Etc… Inequality Etc… Etc… Etc…

Towards a comprehensive approach How far have we got – how much further have we to go? Comprehensive approach should address poverty and risk but be centred around vulnerability and aim for transformation Enables us to take a forward look whilst considering the past – effects and impacts Provides us with the means to bridge social and economic objectives  What are issues we have identified that we need to consider in moving towards a comprehensive approach?

Frameworks and approaches How others approach social protection We have knowledge of agency approaches through frameworks Helps us to a) understand where others are coming from b) identify gaps and opportunities in relation to child sensitive social protection Create space for dialogue, structure to articulate and opportunities to influence child sensitive social protection

That politics matters That there can be a political optimal programme design Is that a second best or just the reality we work in What is appropriate in this context, what is achievable, how do we manage this What is our role in this – challenge function; how not to be coerced

Role of RBA RBA central to social protection agenda: RBA can offer normative standards and principles analytical tools and operational guidelines Relevant in both justifying social protection measures and informing their design, implementation and evaluation Two-way interaction -in addition to a RBA making a contribution to SP, social protection policies and programmes can support the realisation of human rights

Role of RBA That the role and use of the RBA needs to be considered not diluted: Space for reflection in UNICEF on the role of rights within social protection Added value of other value approaches (e.g wellbeing) could be explored What demands can we place, when, where, how and with who Over what time frame are they to be realised Consideration, therefore, is on approach to rights not their objective

A way forward UNICEF over the last year – have explored in more detail what a comprehensive child sensitive approach could entail  Not a blueprint but a good basis to explore our approach in other contexts High level of buy in at all levels Good practical experience and knowledge being developed

A way forward What further opportunities are there? What gaps can UNICEF fill ? Comparative advantage do UNICEF have?

Day Topic Issue Day 7 Comprehensive agenda –marginalisation exclusion UNICEF has a comparative advantage in ensuring issues of marginalisation and power are applied to social protection programming Day 6 Politics Not clear what position UNICEF plays in political discourse. Challenge function not clear. Are UNICEF working with the right players? Wellbeing Does wellbeing provide a way in or balance for RBA? Day 4 Design and implementation Do we have a clearer view on the role of UNICEF on SP design and implementation issues? How, where, when and why? Day 3 Can UNICEF consider rights of child whatever programme UNICEF are engaged in. e.g. in a conditional programme – ensure child sensitive conditionality. Day 2 Frameworks What would UNCIEF included in a comprehensive framework? All Rights How can UNICEF use rights in the context of SP Learning beyond the course How do we create space, opportunities and what resources do we require? Includes: from ourselves; from UNICEF HQ; from regional advisers/offices; others; advocacy packs; policy clarity

Ways forward What resources – spaces are there in UNICEF to support this:  Evolving approach through dialogue in UNICEF NY, regional offices and country offices What resources do you require (e.g. advocacy briefs, contact) What evidence and research is required and what type – policy orientated? M&E ?

Realising our goals You have a critical remit in us all achieving our SP goals – you have the remit, the presence and a broader more comprehensive agenda What should we keep in mind? Remain open minded: Be prepared to challenge our views on SP SP is rapidly changing, a moving conceptual target New evidence in different contexts arising Political acceptability/leverage of child sensitive basic needs

Realising our goals Remain inclusive of other ideas/approaches: Keep considering you objectives in relation to this Keep examining how SP supports other approaches to achieve our objectives Remain committed to the agenda over the long-term and visionary Be bold Be prepared to challenge Be confident when we think we are right