Social security agencies must respect human rights

In 2012 social security agencies in Germany decided to use the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as a model in their own organization. Social security institutions were to be model employers. Anyone insuring the social risks of people must also take human rights into account. All those working in social security have to live up to these on a daily basis whether they work in prevention, rehabilitation or claims. When service providers become involved, whether doctors, clinics or supervisory staff in factories, then these persons must also respect human rights.

Such a strategy to change attitudes, structures and processes in an organization can only succeed through an action plan. Over the period 2012 - 2014 the German Statutory Accident Insurance Scheme (DGUV) carried out this plan as a project. Action planĀ 2.0 is currently under way (2015 - 2017) to secure the results of the project and ensure they are properly embedded in administrative routine. The good example can not only be transferred to other accident insurers but to all social security agencies worldwide. The evaluated criteria for success in drawing up an action plan to implement the UN CRPD can be brought together in an ISSA guideline and thus made available to all ISSA members.

Award Region
Award Year
2016
Country
Region
Main country
Main region