Arab Council for Social Affairs approves Kingdom’s proposal for epidemic social protection framework

AMMAN — The Council of Arab Ministers for Social Affairs approved Jordan’s proposal to prepare a draft strategic Arab framework for social protection during epidemics.

In coordination with member states and in cooperation with the specialised UN agencies and partners, the council assigned its General Secretariat to prepare the project, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

During an emergency session held on Sunday at the request of Jordan, the council discussed the implications of the coronavirus for the Arab region, moving urgently to address the repercussions of the pandemic, difficulties encountered in implementing policies and programmes related to social protection and the strengthening of emergency and epidemic protection systems.

The council stressed the need for member states to present their contributions to the budget of the Arab Fund for Social and Economic Development for 2020, to support the efforts of Arab countries to counter the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing social and humanitarian repercussions.

Head of the executive office of the Council of Arab Ministers for Social Affairs and Jordanian Minister of Social Development Basma Ishaqat said that the coronavirus pandemic imposed difficult conditions and major impacts on social and humanitarian conditions in Arab countries, which have required “urgent and exceptional measures” to contain the pandemic and address its various effects.

Ishaqat presented Jordan’s experience in facing the pandemic and the proactive measures it has taken with the aim of witnessing the lowest possible number of infections. She also stressed the importance of partnership with international bodies and civil society organisations to ensure healthy and decent lives for people within the framework of social protection systems.