Dear Editor,
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
For most of us justice is a fleeting and elusive ideal. Justice often feels like a catchphrase grounded in academia, far removed from the lives of most citizens. What is more common and relatable is injustice. The cries of “We Want Justice” are far more common in a world characterised by chaos and injustice.
The lack of justice is traumatic and oftentimes is generational. Injustice is frequently rooted in racial and religious discrimination, as well as misogynistic views. Structural inequalities persist, affecting access to decent work, social protection, healthcare, education and a life free from discrimination. This duality in systems is global. Such duality fosters corruption and privilege, allowing only a small percentage of citizens to benefit from government resources.
Respect is not afforded equally. Constitutional authority, inherited power, wealth, and privilege often combine to undermine justice.
Since its declaration by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in 2007, World Day of Social Justice has been observed annually on February 20. This day reminds us of the importance of integrating social justice into global efforts to address inequities, promote peace, and achieve sustainable development. This year’s theme is “Renewed Commitment to Social Development and Social Justice.”
This year’s theme reflects both recognition of progress achieved and acknowledgement of persistent and emerging challenges. While significant gains have been recorded in poverty reduction, education and social protection coverage, structural inequalities, labour market informality, gender disparities, and declining trust in institutions continue to impede inclusive and sustainable development.
A renewed commitment therefore entails strengthening policy coherence across economic, social, and environmental dimensions, reinforcing multilateral cooperation, and placing equity and solidarity at the center of global policymaking.
The term “social justice” was first coined in 1855 by the Italian Jesuit priest and economist Luigi Taparelli d’Azeglio (1793–1862) in his 1883 magnum opus, A Theory of Natural Law.
The United Nations states that at its core, social justice is about ensuring fair opportunities and outcomes for all people, regardless of gender, ethnicity, socio-economic background or disability. It drives efforts to eradicate poverty, expand decent work, strengthen social protection systems and uphold human rights, essential building blocks of the
Sustainable Development Goals.
This year’s observance carries a renewed call to action: to strengthen our commitments to social development, equity and shared prosperity. It builds on the momentum generated by the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha and the adoption of the Doha Political Declaration, which reaffirmed the collective responsibility to accelerate progress on poverty eradication, decent work and universal social protection.
Gender Impacting Social Justice
Gender equality is a shared vision of social justice and human rights. Intersectionality, acknowledges that gender intersects with race, class, sexuality, and ability to shape unique experiences of oppression and privilege. A gendered perspective on social justice analyzes how gender roles, stereotypes, and power structures create inequality, aiming for fair, non-discriminatory treatment for all genders. It addresses structural, economic, and cultural barriers often rooted in patriarchy that disproportionately disadvantage women and girls.
Commitment to Social Development and Social Justice
The World Bank posits that social development focuses on the need to “put people first” in development processes. It promotes social inclusion of the poor and vulnerable by empowering people, building cohesive and resilient societies, and making institutions accessible and accountable to citizens.
As the international community continues to navigate the geopolitical issues associated with the 21st century we must be aware that for millions of people across the world, the promise of fair treatment, decent work, livable wages, respect and equal opportunities remain elusive.
The digital and technological divide continues to foster a culture of division between the Global South and Global North.
Evidently, governments can and should do more to entrench the principles of human rights and social justice in their societies. Globally, stronger structural accountability and transparency platforms must be encouraged. Additionally, more social protection is needed for the most vulnerable in the society.
On this World Day of Social Justice there needs to be a renewal of global effort to continue the transformative work of social justice. We are reminded by the words of Benjamin Franklin that justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.
Yours truly,
Wayne Campbell
