LEGAL FRAMEWORK

A strong legal framework for social assistance is a vehicle to uphold human rights principles in governance, administration and social protection service delivery. Not only does it give the state a clear and legal mandate to provide social assistance benefits but it also gives expression to the principle that social protection is a human right.

The exponential growth and proven importance of social assistance programmes in the region demand a clear and solid basis cemented in law. This module deals with the steps involved in constructing a legal framework for social protection (social dialogue, consultation, etc.) and the different elements that should be included in such a framework, including the protection of social assistance clients and accountability mechanisms.