World Day of Social Justice

20.02.2016 –The World Day of Social Justice under the theme of “A Just Transition - environmentally sustainable economies and societies”, is observed on 20th February.

Observing the World Day of Social Justice presents an opportunity to support the ongoing efforts of the international community to eradicate poverty, promote full employment and decent work, and achieve gender equity and social well-being for all.

Social justice can only be achieved through the removal of barriers that divide people including gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture or disability. People must be empowered in order to eradicate poverty & to create social justice. The Global Goals and achieving social justice are therefore synonymous and the removal of such barriers is a priority.

The UN is working for Social Justice across the world:

• Free and Equal Campaign
  • The United Nations global public education campaign for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality raises awareness of homophobic and transphobic violence and discrimination, and promotes greater respect for the rights of LGBT people everywhere.

• International Labour Organisation’s Declaration on Social Justice

  • Focuses on guaranteeing fair outcomes for all through employment, social protection, social dialogue, and fundamental principles and rights at work.

• United Nations Development Programme 
  • UNDP promotes inclusive and sustainable human development with a vast number of global projects working to reduce poverty in all its dimensions.

"With exclusion and inequality on the rise, we must step up efforts to ensure that all people, without discrimination, are able to access opportunities to improve their lives and those of others." - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Photo: DFID 

The World Day of Social Justice was introduced to the UN agenda in 2007 and calls on governments to observe 3 R’s:

• Reaffirming the commitments made in Geneva Development Summit 1995

• Recalling the commitment to promote national and global economic systems based on the principles of justice, equity, democracy participation, transparency, accountability and inclusion

• Reaffirming the commitment made in the 2005 World Summit Outcome to full and productive employment and decent work for all, including for women and young people.

World Day of #SocialJustice promotes social justice, solidarity, harmony & equality.

____________________________________

UNRICs Related Links

· Secretary General's Message

· ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization

· World Day of Social Justice