拉丁美洲经济委员会-拉丁美洲非缴费性社会保护接受者的社会信息系统和登记处对新冠疫情的回应（英文）-2021.5-49页_1mb

Summary of "Social Information Systems and Registries of Recipients of Non-Contributory Social Protection in Latin America in Response to COVID-19"

Core Content

This document provides an analysis of social information systems and recipient registries in 15 Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Haiti, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Plurinational State of Bolivia, and Uruguay) in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aims to evaluate how these systems supported emergency social protection measures, identify innovations introduced, and offer recommendations for strengthening them in the long term.

Social information systems are defined as software applications that collect, organize, store, process, and distribute data to link individuals and households with social protection entitlements. These systems are crucial for the effective targeting and delivery of social assistance, as well as for monitoring and evaluating social policies.

Recipient registries, a key component of these systems, collect and store data on individuals and households that may be eligible for social protection benefits. These data include socioeconomic characteristics, which are used to determine eligibility and support the design of targeted social policies.

Main Characteristics of Social Information Systems and Registries (Pre-COVID-19)

A. Coverage of Social Registries

• Universal coverage: Some countries have achieved high levels of coverage, with Uruguay being the only one with a fully universal registry (covering all residents).
• High coverage: Six countries have coverage of 70% or more: Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru, and Uruguay.
• Moderate coverage: Three countries have coverage between 30% and 69%: Brazil, Dominican Republic, and Ecuador.
• Low coverage: Six countries have coverage below 30%: Mexico, El Salvador, Haiti, Plurinational State of Bolivia, Panama, and Paraguay.

B. Integration and Interoperability

• Social registries are often integrated with other administrative databases and primary surveys to enhance data quality and utility.
• Some countries, like Chile and Peru, have developed systems that allow for both registration and self-reporting of data, increasing flexibility and accessibility.

C. Verification of System Information

• Verification mechanisms vary, with some countries relying on home visits by local officials to confirm data accuracy.
• Others use automated processes or periodic updates to ensure data remains current and reliable.

D. Targeting and Socioeconomic Characterization Instruments

• These instruments are used to identify households in need and determine their eligibility for social protection.
• They include data on income, education, health, and household composition, among other variables.

E. Classification of Countries

• The 15 countries are classified based on the structure and characteristics of their social information systems and recipient registries, including coverage levels, data sources, and targeting mechanisms.

Response to the Pandemic

In response to the pandemic, countries implemented various innovations to improve the capacity of their social information systems and registries to support emergency social protection measures:

• Use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT): Digital tools were used to facilitate registration and data collection.
• Enhanced targeting mechanisms: New tools were developed to better identify vulnerable populations.
• Expanded coverage: Efforts were made to include more households, especially those traditionally excluded from social registries.

Conclusions and Recommendations

A. Expand Coverage

• Social registries should be expanded to cover more of the population, especially those previously excluded, to ensure more inclusive social protection.

B. Integrate Registries into a Social Information System

• Registries should be part of a broader social information system to improve data sharing and coordination.

C. Increase Interoperability

• Enhancing the interoperability of different systems will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of social protection programs.

D. Improve Targeting Instruments

• Targeting instruments need to be optimized to ensure accurate and efficient identification of beneficiaries.

E. Promote Use of ICT

• The use of digital technologies should be encouraged to improve data collection, verification, and accessibility.

F. Strengthen Institutional Framework

• A robust institutional framework is necessary to support the implementation and management of social registries, with clear roles at different territorial levels.

Key Information

• Pre-pandemic efforts: Many countries had already made significant progress in collecting and updating data on vulnerable populations through conditional and unconditional cash transfer programs.
• Challenges: Despite these efforts, gaps in coverage, access, and data quality persist, particularly in countries with lower coverage levels.
• Role of social registries: These systems are essential for the effective delivery of social protection, enabling the identification of eligible beneficiaries and supporting the design of targeted policies.
• Innovations: The pandemic prompted the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to improve the reach and accuracy of social protection measures.

References

• The study draws on data from national social protection programs, administrative databases, and primary surveys.
• It is based on the ECLAC project "Strengthening social protection for pandemic responses: identifying the vulnerable, aiding recovery and building resilience."
• Contributions were made by various experts and institutions, including ECLAC offices in Mexico and Buenos Aires, as well as the World Food Programme in Haiti.

This document serves as a valuable resource for policymakers and institutions seeking to enhance the effectiveness of social protection systems in Latin America.