PACIFIC governments have an important role to play in complementing traditional systems with social protection schemes such as the old age pensions and disability payments, says a report launched by the World Bank in Suva last week.
The regional report, titled “Hardship and Vulnerability in the Pacific Island Countries”, was launched at USP and supported by the Government of Australia.
“Family and community networks are central to life in Pacific island countries and act as critical ‘safety nets’ for people when shocks occur.
Household surveys show that traditional systems do not always reach everyone — those in deepest hardship may be least likely to be part of the gift-giving networks. Studies show that gift-giving may sometimes require greater generosity than many households feel they can truly afford.”
Suva (Fiji Times)
