The Business Dictionary defines Social Justice as "The fair and proper administration of laws conforming to the natural law that all persons, irrespective of ethnic origin, gender, possessions, race, religion, etc. are to be treated equally and without prejudice." The United Nations sees the concept of social justice as "an underlying principle for peaceful and prosperous coexistence within and among nations." Social Justice is a core philosophy of any society; a universal ground where fairness and equality can breed on and indeed thrive. The rights to life and freedom, regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, disability or nationality, all revolve around the concept of social justice.
source: www.un.org
The 24th General Assembly of the United Nations in 2007, officially announced February 20th as the World Day of Social Justice, with a keynote stating that "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." The International Labour Organization also adopted this cause and has fostered the achievement of social justice.
On this 10th anniversary of the Day for Social Justice, we need to pause and reflect on the achievements and failures of the past decade. We are convinced that awareness has increased about the need for social dignity and equality. Many nations and organisations have become more vocal in their call for social justice and in advocating and working to ensure it's implementation. However a great deal still needs to be done - unjust incarcerations, uneven resource allocations, abuse of power and class, misinformation or the lack of facts in general, genocide, racism, poor education, undue poverty and unemployment, all continue to exist within countries and between countries.
This year's theme: "Preventing conflict and sustaining peace through decent work," is particularly appropriate for addressing the needs and rights of young people everywhere. It is social justice for every young person to be socially empowered with the right employment/decent work including entrepreneurship skills, and the mentoring and funding they require to be productive forces in their society. Conflicts will be minimized and peace ensured when young people are enabled to work and generate a better income for themselves, their families and their societies. That is real social justice!
HAPPY WORLD DAY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE.