Title: The establishment of a national social protection policy in the DRC: a strong commitment from the government
Introduction :
The Minister of Social Affairs, Modeste Mutinga, recently announced the Congolese government’s commitment to implementing a national social protection policy. This initiative aims to support vulnerable groups such as women, children and people living with disabilities. The objective is to guarantee their well-being and their access to the services and resources necessary for their social recovery. This commitment was expressed during a workshop bringing together civil society actors and was hailed as a major step forward in promoting social inclusion in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A commitment to vulnerable groups:
Modeste Mutinga stressed that the national social protection policy aims to enshrine the fundamental principles of protection of vulnerable groups in the DRC. This involves putting in place innovative financial support and financing measures that will support the social recovery cycle of these groups. Women, children and people living with disabilities face many challenges in Congolese society and this policy aims to provide them with adequate social protection and opportunities to improve their situation.
A framework law to regulate social protection:
During the workshop, participants also discussed the development of a draft law laying down fundamental principles for the protection of vulnerable groups in the DRC. This legislation will establish a clear and solid legal framework for the social protection of vulnerable groups. It will define the rights, obligations and implementation mechanisms necessary to ensure true social inclusion. This framework law will be an essential tool for promoting social justice and equal opportunities in the DRC.
Innovative financing for social protection:
To support the implementation of the national social protection policy, it is essential to find sustainable and innovative sources of financing. Modeste Mutinga raised the possibility of introducing specific parafiscal measures and exploring other resource mobilization mechanisms. These funds will be used to support programs and initiatives aimed at improving the situation of vulnerable groups. The involvement of actors from civil society and the private sector will also be crucial to ensure the success of this national policy.
Conclusion :
The establishment of a national social protection policy in the Democratic Republic of Congo is an important step towards social inclusion and the well-being of vulnerable groups. This commitment by the government demonstrates its desire to guarantee better protection and opportunities for social recovery for women, children and people living with disabilities. The creation of a framework law and the search for innovative financing will be key steps in making this policy a reality. By working together, civil society actors, the private sector and government can advance this initiative and transform the lives of the most vulnerable in the DRC.