Luxembourg hosts a high-level seminar on social security and human rights: Strengthening access to social rights and combating non-use of social benefits

On June 8 and 9, 2023 took place in Belval, in the presence of the Minister of Social Security, Claude Haagen, the Permanent Representative of Luxembourg to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva, Marc Bichler , the Secretary General of the International Social Security Association (ISSA), Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano, and the President of the Luxembourg Association of Social Security Organizations (ALOSS), Norbert Lindenlaub, the technical seminar on social security and human rights.

Since January 1, 2022, Luxembourg has taken office on the United Nations Human Rights Council with 17 other new members, all elected for a three-year term. It is within the framework of this mandate that Luxembourg organized this major event on the challenges faced by individuals and communities in effective access to social rights.

The seminar brought together an international and diverse audience from more than twenty European countries, made up of renowned experts in the fields of social security and human rights from various international organizations (Human Rights Council Human Rights, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, International Labor Organization, European Commission, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development), representatives of civil society and other stakeholders engaged in the promotion of social and human rights.

During his intervention, the Minister of Social Security underlined the importance of guaranteeing social security that is inclusive, equitable and accessible to all, in particular to vulnerable and marginalized groups. “I hope that this seminar will allow us to formulate concrete recommendations aimed at reducing non-use of social benefits and promoting dignity and equality for all” concluded Claude Haagen.

The event was also marked by interactive sessions, allowing participants to share their knowledge and good practices, exchange ideas and identify common challenges in order to improve access to social rights and strengthen the fight against non-appeal.

Organized by the Luxembourg Association of Social Security Organizations (ALOSS), the European Network of the International Social Security Association (ISSA), the Ministry of Social Security and the Permanent Representation of Luxembourg to the Office of Nations united in Geneva, this technical seminar is an essential step towards the promotion of a more inclusive and equitable society, where all individuals can fully exercise their social rights and benefit from adequate social protection.

The detailed program can be consulted at www.aloss.lu/

Communicated by the Ministry of Social Security and the Luxembourg Association of Social Security Organizations