AS GLOBAL crises multiply – from conflict to disaster and climate shocks – the question is how we can make social protection work better in crisis settings. The ongoing UNGA80 reflections and the “humanitarian reset” discussions underscore that our approaches to social protection also need a fundamental reset.
Recent dialogues at the BASIC Conference in the UK (Better Assistance in Crises Research) and at the Cash Learning Partnership event in Amman revealed a common thread: while the theory of linking social protection and crisis response is sound, practice often falls short. Despite heightened awareness of the need for systems strengthening, international actors continue to design short-term, donor-driven interventions that operate in parallel to – or even undermine – national systems.
Rethinking the role of aid agencies
“Too often, agencies fall into a ‘competency trap’ – imposing external ‘best practice’ solutions instead of allowing national systems to grow organically and then struggling to exit as they wait for counterparts to reach an often-unattainable level of capacity”, said Charis Reid, Social Protection and Nexus Specialist at ILO Amman.
In doing so, they risk creating dependencies that make it difficult to transition to nationally owned social protection programmes.
To truly strengthen resilience, international actors need to start from the inside out – supporting national systems from the outset of a crisis, not only after it subsides. This means embedding interventions within local realities, aligning with existing programmes (even imperfect ones), and recognizing that elements of national social protection systems often persist even during conflict. Contributory schemes, for instance, have shown surprising resilience – providing continuity and a base for recovery.
The ILO’s contribution
The International Labour Organization (ILO) works with governments and partners to help build inclusive, sustainable social protection systems that function before, during and after crises. Through its approach to the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, the ILO connects crisis response with long-term development by promoting job creation and sustainable livelihoods – helping communities rebuild, strengthen peace and address the root causes of instability through decent and productive employment.
In Jordan, the ILO helps informal workers, including refugees, enrol in the national Social Security Corporation’s schemes through contribution subsidies, providing longer-term protection and short-term relief.
In Lebanon, the ILO supports the design of inclusive government-led programmes, such as the National Disability Allowance, which serve both nationals and refugees under one framework.
In the State of Palestine, the ILO advocates for donor financing to flow through the national cash transfer programme, a system that has been strengthened and audited, and that could deliver humanitarian support if adequately funded.
These examples show that it is possible – and necessary – to align humanitarian, development and peace objectives through nationally-owned social protection systems.
Building stronger systems early for recovery
If we want sustainable impact, we must shift our mindset and our language to frame social protection systems in ways that resonate with national priorities – as an investment in economic stability, fostering citizen trust and long-term recovery.
We also need to confront the practical realities: international financing must increasingly flow through national systems and interventions should include clear pathways for transition to government ownership. Every crisis response should strengthen, not sideline, the institutions that will remain when the crisis ends.
Engaging with national systems during crises can be slow and complex, but it is essential, as social protection is not an add-on to crisis response – it is the foundation for economic security, dignity and recovery.
