Observed globally every year on February 20th, the United Nations’ (UN) World Day of Social Justice is observed annually to encourage world leaders, organizations, and people to examine how social justice impacts poverty eradication. Additionally, the day strives to create awareness and opportunities to achieve full employment and support for social integration for individuals worldwide.
What is Social Justice?
Social justice is the foundation for prosperous and peaceful coexistence among and within nations. Social justice supports gender equality and the rights of indigenous peoples, refugees, and migrants. World Day of Social Justice advances social justice by drawing attention to the barriers faced around the world due to age, gender, ethnicity, race, culture, religion, or disability. This year’s theme, “If You Want Peace and Development, Work for Social Justice” focuses on the importance of social justice as an underlying principle for a prosperous peaceful coexistence. The International Labour Organization estimates approximately 2 billion people live in fragile and conflict-affected situations. More than 400 million of these individuals are aged between 15 to 29. According to the United Nations, “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.”
How to Support World Social Justice Day
World Social Justice Day encourages people from all walks of life to examine the different types of exploitation and inequalities which continue to impact our world. Every year world leaders, community leaders, universities, organizations, and individuals unite to work towards eradicating social injustices. Specifically, World Social Justice Day encourages us to face the reality of poverty, unemployment, and economic exclusion in our communities. Events in support of the day can range from public forums to art installations, political campaigns to film festivals, and targeted protests to specific pledges of action from organizations and companies both in and outside of the human rights field.
How Can You Get Involved?
Many organizations, including the UN and the International Labour Office, make statements on the importance of social justice for people. Several organizations also present plans for greater social justice by tackling poverty, social and economic exclusion, and unemployment. Schools, colleges and universities prepare special activities for the day, with events planned around a theme related to poverty, unemployment, and social and economic exclusion. In the days and weeks leading up to and following World Social Justice Day, media outlets around the world focus their coverage on the links between illicit trade in diamonds and armed conflicts, particularly in Africa. Additionally, the world recognizes the importance of the International Criminal Court, which is an independent court that conducts trials of people accused of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. As an individual, there are many ways to support World Social Justice Day. From wearing orange in recognition of the day to attending a local event which promotes human rights, you can help to make change on both a local and global scale. You can even host an event that focuses on removing the social barriers created by race, gender, or religion. Regardless of how you choose to participate, every step towards change is a step in the right direction.
The Brain Workshop
Here at the Brain Workshop, we stand united with the world in celebration of World Social Justice Day. Regardless of the time of year, we encourage you or your organization to participate in local and/or regional events designed to support social justice on both a micro and macro scale. At the Brain Workshop, our programs are designed to help children and individuals overcome their learning disabilities by pinpointing the root cause of their learning struggles. Contact a member of our team to learn more.