3. It functions to cushion the impact of economic crisis among vulnerable populations. It serves as a macroeconomic stabiliser by increasing demand, creating multiplier effects and by enabling people to better overcome poverty and social exclusion-paying particular attention to vulnerable groups ­protecting and empowering people across the life cycle. 4. It provides basic income security through social transfers such as pensions for the elderly and persons with disabilities, child benefits, income support benefits and/or employment guarantees and services for the unemployed and working poor. 5. It provides universal access to essential affordable social services in health, water and sanitation, education, food security, housing among others. Social protection benefits improve access to labour markets and direct benefits to those who otherwise would be excluded from only paid worker­based measures. 6. Social protection and labour policies contribute to sustainable, inclusive growth. 7. Social protection programmes have proven an important aspect of developing countries' efforts to fight poverty and hunger. Hence, social protection has the potential to contribute significantly to long-term sustainable development. 11