Ensure social justice for all
Published:Friday | February 21, 2025 | 12:06 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
In recent years, the term ‘social justice’ has become a significant part of public discourse. However, many of us are unaware of its meaning and are far removed from its significance.
In a world riffled with strife and chaos, the shouts of justice reverberate through the web of disarray. The powerful take advantage of the weak and mild-mannered. The employer who lacks integrity exploits his/her employee. The rights of the average person are breached constantly. Most of us have experienced some form of injustice. Unfortunately, the world has normalised injustice through State institutions and personal actions. The United Nations (UN) definition of social justice is “an underlying principle for peaceful and prosperous coexistence within and among nations.” This can be interpreted as a world in which societies are based on the principles of equality and solidarity, understand and value human rights, and recognise the dignity of every human being. The UN supports the principle in various ways, from addressing economic inequality to access to education, healthcare, and the protection of human rights, with the aim of creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Social justice is for everyone, which is why the UN pays attention to the needs of particularly marginalized and vulnerable communities, such as refugees, indigenous peoples and those living with disabilities. In recognition of the importance of social justice to the quality of our lives, the UN designated February 20 as the World Day of Social Justice.
In 2025, the theme ‘Strengthening a just transition for a sustainable future’ highlighted the urgent need for an inclusive shift towards environmentally sustainable economies. This transition must address climate change and ensure fairness and social justice for workers, communities, and nations affected by these changes.
The day recognises that social development and social justice are indispensable for achieving and maintaining peace and security within and among nations, and that social development and social justice cannot be obtained in the absence of peace and security or in the absence of respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The five key principles of social justice are often defined as: the recognition that different people have different needs and circumstances (equity), ensuring that everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed (access), enabling all individuals to play in role in the political, economic and social life of the communities (participation), protecting the human rights of all individuals (rights) and valuing and respecting differences between people, such as race, gender, and sexual orientation (diversity).
It is imperative to redouble our collective efforts by engendering a society where no one is left behind in the journey toward a sustainable future.
WAYNE CAMPBELL