50th session of the Human Rights Council
Item3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights
Statement of the Nordic-Baltic countries delivered by the Permanent Representative of Lithuania Ambassador Darius Staniulis
27 June 2022
Mr. President,
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, Sweden, and my own country Lithuania.
We thank the Special Rapporteur for his important work in promoting human-rights based approach to social protection and for his report on “non-take-up” of social protection benefits. Our countries fully endorse effective social protection, accessible to all. We also implement policies that seek to tackle non-take-up.
Persons in vulnerable situations are often unaware of their entitlement to financial social benefits. Furthermore, they are often excluded from decision making processes. This should be properly addressed. Targeted information about social protection benefits and about the inclusion of individuals living in poverty, not least women and girls, in the design, implementation and monitoring of social protection schemes is key for take-up in practice, and for ensuring gender equality and that no one is left behind.
Mr. Schutter, according to you, besides the recommendations listed in the report, what is the most effective way to ensure participation of persons in vulnerable situations in decision making processes?
Thank you.