| Resumen: |
Increasing humanitarian needs coupled with social protection systems' growing capability to respond to shocks means that coordination between humanitarian cash and social protection actors is vital. As of 2025, the world faces significant challenges with 712 million people living in extreme poverty and 733 million facing hunger.1 52.4% of people globally are covered by at least one cash social protection benefit, leaving 3.8 billion unprotected, many of whom reside in fragile and conflict-affected states (FCAS).2 The protracted crises the world is facing today are compounded by limited resources for humanitarian appeals, with coverage standing at just 37.3% as of October 2024, further reinforcing the case for more effective coordination.3 Global evidence demonstrates that social protection can be effectively leveraged to respond to shocks and support household resilience. 4 When implemented through adequate, predictable responses, social protection can reduce negative coping mechanisms, thereby reducing the cost of humanitarian interventions and preventing income and asset loss by households. It can also help rebuild asset stocks, reduce debt burdens, and improve nutrition, investment, and productivity, as well as generate economywide multipliers.5,6 While there may still be a need for complementary emergency responses, the benefits of effective social protection are clear. |
