Abstract
Social protection – contributory or non-contributory – is a key financial mechanism which ensures everyone an access to health care and income security throughout the lifecycle and in times of crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic has further underscored the critical importance of building a comprehensive and resilient social protection system. The current social protection system in Bosnia and Herzegovina is facing formidable challenges stemming from insufficient investment in closing the social protection gaps, inefficient resource allocation, and persistent inequalities, particularly in terms of gender. The underlying poor labour market conditions, as well as the slow recovery of labour markets from the COVID-19 pandemic and the anticipated fiscal austerity, have exacerbated the risk of further de facto cutbacks of social protection benefits. In this context, the ILO has conducted a comprehensive review of the existing social protection system with respect to its coverage, benefit adequacy, expenditure and financing. The purpose of the present report is to present the core problems in the existing social protection system in Bosnia and Herzegovina based on evidence-based analysis and to identify the key issues requiring action.