United Nations (UN)’s World Day of Social Justice is annually observed across the globe on February 20 to raise a voice against social injustice.
- The day also aims to eradicate poverty, physical discrimination, gender inequalities, religious discrimination and illiteracy, and create a socially integrated society by bringing together diverse communities worldwide.
World Day of Social Justice 2023 was observed on 20th February 2023 under the theme “Overcoming Barriers and Unleashing Opportunities for Social Justice”.
Background:
i. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/62/10 on 26th November 2007 and proclaimed February 20 of every year, starting from the 63rd session of UNGA (September 2008 to September 2009), as World Day of Social Justice.
ii. The 1st ever World Day of Social Justice was observed on 20th February 2009.
Significance of World Day of Social Justice 2023:
The 2023 theme focuses on the recommendations of the UN’s Common Agenda to strengthen global solidarity and rebuild trust in government by Overcoming Barriers and Unleashing Opportunities for Social Justice.
- As a result, the 2023 World Day of Social Justice offers a chance to encourage discussion with Member States, young people, social partners, civil society organisations, UN agencies, and other stakeholders about the steps that must be taken to strengthen the social contract.
Social Justice:
Social Justice is the fair treatment and equal standing of all people and social groups within a state or society.
- According to the UN, it is equal access to basic social services including health and education, equal participation in political and economic decision-making, equal reward for social work, and removal of discrimination and violence against women.
ILO Effort towards Social Justice:
i. On 10th June 2008, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) unanimously adopted the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization (A/RES/63/199).
ii. Since the ILO’s Constitution in 1919, the International Labour Conference has adopted 3 significant statements of principles and policies: the Philadelphia Declaration of 1944; the Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work of 1998; and the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization.
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) World Social Report 2023:
i. World Social Report 2023: Leaving No One Behind In An Ageing World.
- The report is prepared by the Division for Inclusive Social Development of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA).
ii. A key global trend is the ageing of the population. People are living longer and more are older than ever before.
iii. This massive transformation, which has started or is likely to start shortly in all countries and localities, has been driven by spectacular gains in health and survival as well as reductions in fertility.
Click here for the Full Report
2023 Commemorative Event:
The commemorative meeting for the 2023 World Day of Social Justice has been organised by the Permanent Mission of the Kyrgyz Republic to the UN and ILO, in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the UN DESA.
About the International Labour Organisation (ILO):
Director-General- Gilbert Fossoun Houngbo
Headquarters- Geneva, Switzerland
Establishment- 1919
Members- 187 Member States
