Every year on February 20, the world observes the World Day of Social Justice, a UN-designated day aimed at promoting fairness, equity, and inclusion in societies. Established by the UN General Assembly in 2007, this day serves as a reminder of the urgent need to tackle issues like poverty, unemployment, gender inequality, and social exclusion.
Social justice is a fundamental principle that ensures equal rights, opportunities, and protections for all individuals, particularly marginalized and vulnerable communities such as refugees, indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities. According to the United Nations, social justice is “an underlying principle for peaceful and prosperous coexistence within and among nations.”
At its core, social justice envisions a world where equality and solidarity guide human interactions, where human rights are upheld, and where every individual’s dignity is respected.
The Five Pillars of Social Justice**
- Equity – Recognizing that different people have different needs and circumstances.
-
Access – Ensuring everyone has the resources and opportunities to succeed.
-
Participation – Encouraging all individuals to take part in political, economic, and social life.
-
Rights – Protecting and upholding the human rights of all individuals.
-
Diversity – Valuing and respecting differences in race, gender, sexual orientation, and other aspects of identity.
Social justice is central to the United Nations’ mission to promote peace, security, and human rights. It is also a key component of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, an international blueprint for fostering a just, inclusive, and prosperous world.
