Recognizing the World Day of Social Justice

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

World Day of Social Justice, celebrated on Feb. 20, highlights the global push for economic equality, fair labor, and social unity. 

To grow globally towards beneficial progress, we must help create achievable and improved outcomes for all citizens. While some might see this as simply lowering one financial barrier or creating temporary housing arrangements until more permanent housing is available, others feel it must go beyond these one-off decisions and towards cooperative decision-making that includes the government and the people across all nations. 

The United Nations has adopted and honed this collective effort mentality for over a decade now, having created what is commonly known as the World Day of Social Justice. This effort, however, was not started only some decades ago— expanding far beyond simply recognizing the effort everyone has to make for a more progressive future.

Before it was known as the Day of Social Justice, the effort to help improve upon the economic and social inequality many countries faced was framed through the ninety-seventh session of the International Labor Conference in Geneva, Switzerland. The conference found that with the ever-progressing flow of new technological ideas, intercultural interaction, and social movements concerning both men and women alike, there were some serious budding problems. 

While some countries experienced heightened economic prosperity and increased occupation opportunities, others faced little to no work protections, exponential rates of poverty, and an overall unequal economic system. With their goal of promoting cohesive social unity, equal opportunities, and robust economies for all in danger, the conference turned to the International Labor Organization (ILO) for a solution.

Previously, the ILO achieved monumental success in promoting fair labor for all from previous declarations. First, the Declaration of Philadelphia in 1944 declared that labor would not be simply used as a commodity and that poverty in any form was detrimental to a society’s progress, but that the organization has a duty to create a livable minimum wage and social security programs. From then on the economic policies of all countries were to be inspected for the purpose of achieving social justice for all. 

Second was the Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and its follow-up in 1998. The major points determined the end of forced or compulsory labor and child labor, the removal of discrimination within employment, and the freedom towards joint bargaining within the labor force.

The most important act from the ILO, however, which worked with these declarations to build upon its base, was the Decent Work Agenda created in 1999. The agenda encompasses four main points: guaranteeing rights at work, promoting jobs and enterprise, extending social protection, and promoting social dialogue; all these aspects are integral to the foundation of a global labor standard. This would lead to a stepping point in creating what Social Justice Day is all about: progressive achievements and social unity regarding what should be implemented across all nations.

Combining all three declarations towards a singular global proposal, the ILO adopted the Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization on Jun. 10, 2008. The United Nations followed suit, declaring the same basis for achieving global economic equality and social advancement. The General Assembly would find that starting on Feb. 20, the day would be celebrated annually as the World Day of Social Justice.

Respecting the rights and freedoms of all humans is a vital requirement for achieving widespread equity and a positive social framework. By doing so, the international community recognizes the need to continue working towards eliminating many of our societal problems for the betterment of all.