It is noteworthy that we are commemorating the International Day of Social Justice at a time when social injustices prevail. We question the fairness of the Palestine-Israel conflict and the social justice in the Ukraine-Russia conflict amidst a world where the powerful oppress the marginalized.
Nevertheless, the World Day of Social Justice is an annual global observance that underscores the importance of promoting social justice by addressing issues such as unemployment, poverty, exclusion, gender inequality, human rights, and social protection.
Each year, this commemoration serves as a reminder of the imperative to create more just and equitable societies. It sheds light on global social injustices and explores potential solutions and advancements. It is a day to amplify the voices of the marginalized, expose structural injustices, and catalyze meaningful change.
On this day, individuals, groups, and governments have the opportunity to evaluate our progress in achieving social justice and identify areas for improvement.
The World Day of Social Justice is celebrated annually on January 20th. This year, it falls on a Tuesday. On June 10, 2008, the International Labour Organization (ILO) unanimously endorsed the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization. This declaration, the third major statement of principles adopted by the International Labour Conference after the 1919 adoption of the ILO Constitution and the 1998 Declaration of Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, builds on the principles articulated in the 1944 Declaration of Philadelphia. The General Conference decided to designate February 20th as the annual World Day for Social Justice, beginning with the sixty-third session of the General Conference on November 26, 2007.
The concept is gaining ground that the primary objective of all national and international policies should be to enhance social justice. Advocates of this theory have garnered support by arguing that prioritizing social justice fosters more cohesive economies and societies.
They contend that placing social justice at the forefront necessitates a fair globalization agenda that promotes decent work, prioritizes employment opportunities, social protection, and basic rights, and fosters positive social dialogue among corporations, governments, and trade unions.
This year, the International Labour Organization (ILO) is marking the occasion with six events in major cities worldwide. These events will bring together distinguished speakers from various fields to discuss ways to prioritize social justice on national, international, and local policy agendas.
