World Social Security Report 2010/11

Providing coverage in times of crisis and beyondSocial security systems play a critical role in alleviating poverty and providing economic security, helping people to cope with life's major risks and adapt to change. They can have a remarkable effect on income inequality and poverty in developing countries through income transfers. The 2008/09 financial crisis has shown that they are also powerful economic and social stabilizers, with both short- and long-term effects. However, there are serious