DFAT Pacific Series: Social Cohesion and Social Protection in Pacific Islands Countries

Pacific Island countries (PICs) have varying social protection systems, informal and traditional. These systems are important in supporting the most vulnerable members of society and those affected by personal and natural disasters. In the Pacific Islands social protection has typically been an area of low government involvement. Knowledge about formal social protection in the region is limited, and there have been no studies on the impact of such schemes on poverty, human development and economic growth.

This research paper—‘Social cohesion and social protection in the Pacific’—explores different perspectives on social cohesion across PICs and the role it might play. It covers the importance of social cohesion and nation building in PICs and examines poverty, inequality and social cohesion in PICs. The research paper then explores the role of social protection in strengthening social cohesion and supporting nation building. The last section draws conclusions and makes policy recommendations.