Beirut, 20 February 2025--In the Arab region, 187 million individuals are marginalized when it comes to the provision of essential services such as health, education, food security, technology, social protection and economic opportunities, while 292 million people lack coverage for at least one social protection benefit. This bleak reality was highlighted by a new report released today by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) on World Day of Social Justice The report reveals deep disparities in access to basic needs and opportunities, calling for urgent action to address these gaps.
The 5th Social Development Report, titled "Unpacking the Promise to Leave No One Behind in the Arab Region", presents alarming figures. It shows that 78 million adults are illiterate and 15.3 million unemployed. Additionally,174 million individuals lack essential health services, 154 million suffer from food insecurity and 56 million are undernourished.
Housing conditions remain a challenge, with 79.5 million people lacking access to quality housing. Basic infrastructure and services are also inadequate, as 154 million people lack safe sanitation, 50 million do not have access to safe drinking water, and 41.2 million employed individuals work informally. Moreover, 211 million people have limited access to financial services, while 154 million lack Internet access.
"Leaving no one behind requires not just recognizing these disparities but implementing concrete policies that address them," Said Oussama Safa, Chief of Social Justice Section at ESCWA, "The numbers are clear, millions of people are at risk of being excluded from progress unless Governments act decisively."
To address these issues, the report calls for integrating the "Leave No One Behind" framework and its five elements (discrimination, socioeconomic status, governance, geography and vulnerability to shocks) in national strategies, as well as ensuring data-driven and inclusive policies that address intersectional vulnerabilities.
It also recommends expanding social protection especially for women, young people, refugees, and informal workers, prioritizing gender equality, with stronger laws against discrimination and gender-based violence, investing in youth employment and entrepreneurship and strengthening climate resilience policies.
With the 2030 Agenda's deadline approaching, the report urges Governments and stakeholders to accelerate efforts to close these gaps and ensure a future where no one is left behind.
