The report, ‘Faces of Inequality in Asia 2026 – A Case for Universal Social Protection Floors,’ released by the Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP), presents case studies from across the region exposing gaps in the existing social protection systems. It also highlights instances where government and community efforts have enabled some marginalised groups to access their entitlements. It makes a strong call for universal, rights-based and adequately financed social protection floors.

Download the full report here.

Only 53% covered, millions still excluded

Only 53% of Asia’s population has access to at least one form of social protection, leaving nearly half the region without basic income security or healthcare protection. Despite government commitments to expand coverage, millions remain vulnerable to poverty, climate shocks and economic crises.

“Across Asia, millions continue to struggle at the intersection of poverty, inequality and climate impacts,” writes the Asia Coordinator of GCAP. “Social protection is not charity—it is a human right, a foundation of dignity and a pathway to resilience,” he wrote.

Case studies reveal systemic failures

Drawing from grassroots evidence in Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Cambodia and the Philippines, as well as Dalits and communities discriminated on work and descent (CDWD) across South Asia, the report highlights structural challenges:

1. Persistent exclusion: Women, informal workers, indigenous peoples, Dalits, minorities and migrants face discrimination, lack documentation and struggle with bureaucratic barriers that prevent access to pensions, maternity benefits, unemployment allowances and healthcare schemes.
2. Debt and fiscal austerity: Mounting public debt and fiscal consolidation measures are restricting governments’ ability to expand universal coverage. Social spending cuts are widening the gap between policy promises and lived realities.
3. Gender injustice: Women shoulder disproportionate unpaid care burdens and are overrepresented in precarious employment, yet remain excluded from many social protection schemes. Gender-responsive design and financing remain insufficient.
4. Climate-driven vulnerability: Countries such as the Philippines—among the world’s most disaster-prone nations—demonstrate how social protection systems often fail to provide timely and adequate recovery support in the face of repeated typhoons, floods and displacement.
5. Community perseverance and resistance: Despite systemic barriers, communities are organising grassroots campaigns and solidarity networks to claim their rights. In several cases, GCAP-supported help desks have successfully enabled families to access pensions, healthcare cards and livelihood schemes previously denied to them.

From safety net to social guarantee

The report argues that social protection must move beyond a narrow “safety net” approach and be institutionalised as Universal Social Protection Floors (USPF) guaranteeing basic income security and access to essential services for all across the lifecycle.

It calls on governments and international institutions to:

• Ensure universal, inclusive and gender-responsive systems
• Address unsustainable debt burdens and reverse austerity
• Integrate climate adaptation and disaster preparedness into social protection frameworks
• Guarantee accountability and participation of marginalised communities

GCAP’s regional advocacy

GCAP Asia is actively engaged with governments and Members of Parliament to integrate Universal Social Protection Floors into national development visions and political party manifestos. The network leverages global and regional platforms including the Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs), the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), Regional SDG Forums and the World Social Summit to amplify community voices.

Grassroots interventions by GCAP members in six Asian countries – Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Cambodia and the Philippines – support communities along with the CDWD in accessing health insurance, old-age pensions, unemployment benefits and other entitlements.

A collective call for justice

The report concludes with a clear message: universal social protection is essential for achieving social justice, economic resilience and climate adaptation in Asia. It urges governments to prioritise people over austerity, cancel unjust debts and ensure adequate financing so that no one is left behind.

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