World Day of Social Justice

Importance of World Day of Social Justice

20 February was designated the World Day of Social Justice beginning in 2009. The UN General Assembly passed the resolution recognizing that day. The occasion reflects on the significance of social justice for world peace, security, and advancement.

The UN acknowledged the need for more robust global initiatives on poverty education in its resolution. Priorities also include advancing social well-being and gender equality.

In social justice, fairness is essential. It incorporates fundamental requirements, chances, wealth, and every other social system. Social justice is concerned with maintaining equality for all individuals, which is closely related to human rights.

You may understand what social justice is about by looking at two of the previous World Day of Social Justice themes. “If you want Peace and Development, Work for Social Justice” was the theme for 2019.

According to the International Labour Organization, 2 million people reside in “fragile and conflict-affected” areas. Social justice initiatives are significantly impacted by violent conflict and its effects. Less than 40% of people have access to a career that could boost their income.

History of the World Day of Social Justice

Every year on 20 February, the World Day for Social Justice serves as a platform for raising awareness of social justice issues worldwide. People are more equipped to find solutions and advance true equality when they are aware of the different injustices that exist in the world. Only equality can guarantee contented, wholesome societies where individuals can realize their full potential.

The secret to social progress is social justice. The UN General Assembly declared the 20 February World Day of Social Justice in 2007.

The International Labour Organization (a UN agency) adopted the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization in 2008, strengthening the UN’s commitment to social justice. 2009 marked the year that the World Day for Social Justice was first formally observed.

The Principles Of Social Justice

Today, we can define and strive for social justice guided by four principles.

• Human rights

Although social justice and human rights are conceptually distinct, they are mutually dependent. They have a lot of things in common, such as wanting to promote equality, abolish prejudice, and improve government accountability.

Even though it should include all human rights, social justice is nevertheless frequently connected primarily with economic and social rights.

An approach that prioritizes human rights has several advantages while pursuing social justice.

• Participation

Participation is the second social justice principle. This implies that everyone should be allowed to participate in decisions impacting their lives. Due to class and educational restrictions, only select groups can participate fully in many civilizations.

Discrimination based on race, gender, and sexual orientation excludes individuals and muzzles their voices. Everyone must be given a chance to participate. To that end, resources must be made available so people can learn more about the problems and how to get involved.

It also entails consciously inviting speakers representing underrepresented groups to ensure their voices are heard.

• Access

A just society makes resources and services accessible to everyone, not just a select few. Access is uneven in most communities.

People have a restricted number of options for accessing services like high-quality education and healthcare based on factors including geography, gender, and financial status.

Only families earning a specific income can enroll their children in good schools because they can be pricey.

The same holds for medical care. Frequently, access to coverage for mental health treatment, hospital visits, reproductive care, and other services is only available to people who can afford adequate health insurance or who have specific occupations.

• Equity

Equity is the fourth social justice tenet. What distinguishes this from equality? While equity is how civilizations accomplish that goal, equality is the end goal.

Disenfranchised communities always exist in unjust systems. These groups require more excellent assistance and resources than individuals who enjoy luxury.

Although both start from different locations, the finish line is the same for both. We must acknowledge that equity is only attained when the unique demands of a marginalized group are met.

There is no one-pager or one-size-fits-all fix to injustice. Pretending that there is such a thing only results in more harm.

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