Result achieved
Outcome summary
The Government has launched a National Poverty Alleviation policy framework
Outcome achieved
• The Government has launched a National Poverty Alleviation policy framework called EHSAAS (Urdu word for Compassion) in March 2019. The programme focuses on reducing issues of fragmentation and over laps in the coverage of social protection. The programme has four pillars including: addressing inequalities; safety nets for disadvantaged segments of the population; jobs and livelihoods; and human capital development.
EHSAAS is being considered as the umbrella framework for guiding development assistance.
ILO's contribution to the outcome
• The ILO, with RBSA resources, provided technical inputs in framing the priorities under the EHSAAS programme. Meetings with the Federal Government, involving also other UN agencies, were held throughout 2017/18 to develop the policy recommendations on social protection, poverty alleviation, addressing issues of child labour, gender inequality, irregular migration, formalization of informal economy and others.
• These technical inputs picked up by EHSAAS and the Labour Welfare Expert Group include developing policy recommendations in line with ILS. The ILO also supported in identifying good practices from other countries on formalization of informal workers including domestic and home based workers, working out of poverty and use of enterprise development, creating jobs for youth and ILO’s business and entrepreneurial trainings as tools to reduce poverty and promote inclusive and sustainable development.
• The ILO is providing technical assistance in strengthening the capacity of the Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division (PASSD-established under EHSAAS). Orientation of PASSD on ILS specifically Social Protection Floor (Recommendation 202) and Minimum Standards (Social Security) Convention 102. And capacity building specifically in data collection and analysis of SDG 1.3. Information is exchanged during meetings, formal training (one such training was organised on 25-26 Sept 2018).
• The ILO provided technical inputs for the TORs of the LEG group and advocated for the inclusion of workers and employers organisations.
Gender equality & non-discrimination
The technical assistance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa KP) through the pilot project focuses on women participation and coverage (specially through linkages with education, health, skills development and microfinance schemes that can help them improve quality of life and also invest in endowment factors that can translate into better income opportunities for women and girls).