UNPO Commemorates the World Day of Social Justice
Each year since 2007, 20 February is observed as the World Day of Social Justice, highlighting the importance of removing barriers people face because of gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture or disability. As one of its guiding principles, UNPO is committed in advocating for the right to equal participation in society for some of the most marginalised minorities in the world. Social Justice is a key principle that specifically ensures a fair and equal distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society. At a time when exclusive nationalist rhetoric permeates mainstream discourse, social injustice appears to be particularly rife. On this day, therefore, it is particularly important for the international community to turn its attention to the social injustices ravaging nations across the world and reflect on what can be done to dismantle social, political and economic mechanisms that systematically deny equal rights and opportunities for minorities and indigenous peoples around the world.
Below is an article published by the United Nations:
2017 Theme: "Preventing conflict and sustaining peace through decent work"
Social justice is an underlying principle for peaceful and prosperous coexistence within and among nations. We uphold the principles of social justice when we promote gender equality or the rights of indigenous peoples and migrants. We advance social justice when we remove barriers that people face because of gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture or disability.
For the United Nations, the pursuit of social justice for all is at the core of our global mission to promote development and human dignity. The adoption by the International Labour Organization of the Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization is just one recent example of the UN system’s commitment to social justice. The Declaration focuses on guaranteeing fair outcomes for all through employment, social protection, social dialogue, and fundamental principles and rights at work.
The General Assembly proclaimed 20 February as World Day of Social Justice in 2007, inviting Member States to devote the day to promoting national activities in accordance with the objectives and goals of the World Summit for Social Development and the twenty-fourth session of the General Assembly. Observance of World Day of Social Justice should support efforts of the international community in poverty eradication, the promotion of full employment and decent work, gender equity and access to social well-being and justice for all.
To read the concept note click here.
