Privatization of delivery mechanisms

Although the overall responsibility for the provision of social protection is with the State, the delivery of social protection benefits involves not only public authorities, but in many contexts, also private actors. In fact, with increasing pressure on public budgets, the privatization of delivery mechanisms appears as an attractive alternative to the publicly provided delivery mechanisms. This raises questions around the appropriate legal and regulatory framework, the adequacy of benefits provided, accountability and transparency, and effective appeal and complaint mechanisms.
Photo credit: “Students from Afghanistan and East Timor” by Exceed Worldwide (CCBY 2.0 via Flickr).
Social Protection in the Occupied Palestinian Territory: The role of Zakat
The present study looks at the importance of the zakat system for social protection in the West Bank of the Occupied Palestinian Territory. It was undertaken in the context of the work of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) on the mixed economy of welfare in Arab countries, introduced through the 2014 […]
Provision of Basic Healthcare Services by Non-State Actors in Arab Countries: Benefits and Risks
Basic social services such as education, water and sanitation, healthcare and housing are intended to meet essential human needs. States are given the task of guaranteeing equal access to these services, either through direct provision or through the regulation of services provided by other institutions, such as businesses or civil society organizations. Following independence, most […]
Reversing pension privatization. The experience of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Hungary
This paper systematically compares and evaluates the reforms of private pensions systems in Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, and Hungary due to initial failures in design and performance after its implementation. The document presents advantages and flaws of the structural reforms and private pension systems before the re-reform and analyses legal features and socio-economic effects of the […]