Do we really know?
Illiteracy of human right's knowledge is alarming. Lack of knowledge makes us unnecessarily accuse someone or most of the time, we just prefer to ignore the power of the right. Do we really know, what's the right to social security means? After introspection, I found out that my thoughts on this topic are not clear at all. So I researched and thought of sharing it with you.
There is universal declaration of human rights. According to it, "Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control. Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection."
Social security is the universal human right. There are some people who are unable to work due to sickness, physical injury, maternity, old age, unemployment etc. Social security system provides insurance program for them and this is our right as a citizen we should get those benefits.
There are several countries who follow the right to social security. They make sure whether their citizens are receiving affordable housing, education and medicine or not. Each and every country has it's own criteria to give that benefits. So as a citizen it is our responsibility to understand the human right.
What would happen if a father suddenly got sick and could no longer work? Who would take care of his family? Who would pay the rent? Buy food? Clothing if he was no longer able to work?
ReplyDeleteIn this country, families do not usually provide thus support -- that is what social services are for: to help the disadvantaged in their time of need. It is not meant to be a permanent solution (in this case), but rather a temporary fix until the father is able to work again.
Regarding our elderly population, during their working years, we pay a 7.5% tax on our wages. This money goes into a social security fund which is then distributed upon retirement. So, people who have worked have already contributed to this fund.
Great summary, Madhura -- I'm curious to know what the social service programs are like in our classmates' countries.
Social services are really, really important. I know that in my country, people retire in their 60's or 70's and if you work for the government you're gonna receive an amount of money per month, if you served military services you're gonna receive an amount of money per month too. But if you live in the country side, you don't have a job in the government so you don't have this kind of benefits.
ReplyDeleteI agree that this is an important human right. Everyone as a member of a society has the right to social security. Countries must guarantee protection to everyone particularly the most vulnerable people of society. The right to have social security must provide security and stability of million of retired people that have been working their entire life, elderly people or disabled people that are unable to work. I think we have the right to be protected as a citizen of a country and this right must be provided without discrimination.
ReplyDelete