The United Nations (UN’s) World Day of Social Justice is observed annually on February 20 across the globe to highlight the importance of social justice worldwide. This day raises awareness about critical issues such as poverty alleviation, employment, gender equality, and access to essential services like education, healthcare, and social services.
- It also advocates for the promotion of social security, equality, human rights, and fundamental freedoms for all.
- The theme for World Day of Social Justice 2025: “Strengthening a Just Transition for a Sustainable Future” focusing on the importance of inclusive policies and social protection in addressing systematic inequality.
Background:
i.On November 26, 2007, during its 62nd session, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution A/RES/62/10, declaring February 20th of each year as World Day of Social Justice.
ii.The first-ever World Day of Social Justice was observed on February 20, 2009.
ILO’s Commitment to Social Justice:
i.The ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization was unanimously adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) on June 10, 2008.
- This marks the 3rd major statement of principles and policies endorsed by the International Labour Conference (ILC) since the 1919 ratification of the ILO Constitution.
ii.Building upon the 1944 Philadelphia Declaration and the 1998 Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the 2008 Declaration outlines the ILO’s current understanding of its mandate in the context of globalization.
Significance:
i.The ILO plays a key role in fostering social justice through its 2008 Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization.
ii.This declaration expands on earlier ILO frameworks and places the Decent Work Agenda at the forefront of the organization’s policies.
iii.World Day of Social Justice aligns with the broader mission of the UN’s to promote human dignity and development.
What is Social justice?
i.Social justice refers to the fair and just distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges within a society.
ii.Social justice promotes human dignity, equity, and the protection of human rights for all.
2025 Events:
i.On February 20, 2025, the UN’s Headquarters in New York, United States of America (USA) hosted a conference titled “Strengthening a Just Transition for a Sustainable Future,” addressing inclusive climate policies and social justice.
- The conference was convened by the Permanent Mission of the Kyrgyz Republic to the UNs and the ILO, in collaboration with the Division for Inclusive Social Development at the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA)
ii.The ILO organized 5 global events, focusing on advancing social justice in collaboration with International Telecommunication Union (ITU), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and UN DESA.
iii.The initiative “Bridging Gaps and Building Alliances” was launched to address social justice deficits and accelerate the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Decent Work Agenda.
iv.Publications: The UN Secretary-General (SG) António Guterres and ILO Director-General (DG), Gilbert F. Houngbo issued statements on World Day of Social Justice 2025, and the ILO’s “Social Security for All” publication focused on investing in social justice and economic development.
Evolution of Social Justice in India:
i.India has observed World Day of Social Justice annually since 2009 and the vision is rooted in India’s independence movement and the Constitution, which guarantees equality, dignity, and justice for all citizens, particularly marginalized communities.
ii.Constitutional Foundations:
- Preamble: Guarantees social, economic, and political justice, equality of status and opportunity, and promotes fraternity to uphold dignity and national unity.
- Fundamental Rights (Part III): Articles 23 and 24 prohibit human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour in hazardous occupations, protecting vulnerable groups from exploitation.
- Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV): Articles 37-46 focus on reducing social and economic inequalities, ensuring equal livelihoods, fair wages, and special promotion for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and other marginalized groups.
iii.In 1998, the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MSJE) was formed, focusing on building an inclusive society for marginalized groups.
Initiatives launched by the Indian Government :
i.Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY): The scheme launched in 2021-22 to uplift SC communities through skill development, income generation, and infrastructure in Schedule Caste dominated villages.
ii.Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SRESHTA): The scheme, launched in 2023, aims to bridge service gaps in Schedule Caste dominant areas by supporting grant-in-aid institutions and high-quality residential schools. It provides financial assistance to top Central Board of Secondary Education(CBSE)/State Board-affiliated private schools for SC students in classes 9 and 11, ensuring education till class 12.
iii. Purple Fests: The Festival of Inclusion have been organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment(MSJE), since 2023.
iv.National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE): It is a Central Sector Scheme launched in FY 2023-24 as a joint initiative of the MSJE and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). It aims to ensure the safety, dignity, and sustainable livelihood of sanitation workers in urban India.
v.Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood & Enterprise (SMILE): It is a comprehensive initiative aimed at the rehabilitation of transgender individuals and persons engaged in begging. Its primary objective is to create a ‘Bhiksha Vritti Mukt Bharat’ (Begging-free India) by ensuring the reintegration of beggars into mainstream society.
vi.PM-DAKSH Yojana: The Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi Yojana(PM-DAKSH Yojana) launched in 2021, aims to enhance the skill levels of marginalized communities.The scheme, with a budget of Rs.450.25 crore (2021-26), provides short-term and long-term training to facilitate wage and self-employment, ensuring at least 70% placement.
Note: In the Union Budget 2025-26, the Government of India(GoI) allocated Rs 13,611 crores to the MSJE, a 6 percent increase from 2024-25, to ensure saturation coverage of welfare schemes.
About International Labor Organization (ILO):
Director-General (DG)– Gilbert Fossoun Houngbo (Togo)
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
Established– 1919
