Summary

Global unemployment rose sharply from 178 million persons in 2007 to 205 million in 2009, triggering an increase in vulnerability – especially in developing countries without comprehensive social protection. It is further estimated that between 47 million and 84 million more people fell into, or remained trapped in, extreme poverty because of the global crisis. The Report on the World Social Situation: the Global Social Crisis published by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations explores the ongoing adverse social consequences of the crisis and stresses the urgency that Governments take into account the likely social implications of their economic policies to ensure faster growth and socio-economic progress.