The European Committee of Social Rights (ECSR), part of the Council of Europe, has published reports on 33 states, in relation to their compliance on the articles of the Charter of Social Rights relating to the thematic group “Health, social security and social protection”. The ESCR adopted 401 conclusions, including 165 conclusions of non-conformity and 110 conclusions of conformity with the Charter.
In 126 cases, the Committee was unable to assess the situation due to insufficient information ("deferrals"). Of particular note:
• Information on life expectancy provided by States and other sources reveals that wide differences exist between men and women, regions, urban and rural areas, income and level of education.
• The Committee again found little or no progress in many states in relation to social security. Inadequate minimum level of income-replacement benefits is still the main ground of non-conformity. The minimum levels of unemployment benefit, sickness benefit and disability benefit in many countries fall below 40% of median equivalent income.
• In many states the level of social assistance paid to a single person without resources remains below the poverty threshold.
• With regard to the rights of older persons, the Committee found that in many states, older persons lack adequate resources enabling them to lead a decent life and play an active role in the community. Legislation prohibiting discrimination outside employment is still lacking in certain States.
Further information and the individual country conclusions can be accessed at: https://www.coe.int/en/web/european-social-charter/-/several-problems-relating-to-health-and-social-protection-still-persist-in-europe
