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Social Justice is the central theme of international, national and regional policy agendas. The United Nations has created the World Day of Social Justice, which is celebrated on 20 February every year. It is celebrated to spread awareness about the fact that there should be a fair balance in the distribution of opportunities, wealth, privileges and justice among the people irrespective of any kind of discrimination. On 26 November 2007, the General Assembly announced that 20 February will be celebrated as World Day of Social Justice across the world. Stay tuned for more insights about the history and theme of World Day of Social Justice 2024, its significance, and more!
Table of Contents
Also Read: Social Justice UPSC Question Bank
| Event | World Day of Social Justice 2024 |
| Day | 20 February |
| Established by | The United Nation |
| Founded On | 26 November 2007 |
| Aim | Make Things Fair on a Global Level |
According to the United Nations, “Social justice is an underlying principle for peaceful and prosperous coexistence within and among nations. We uphold the principles of social justice when we promote gender equality or the rights of indigenous peoples and migrants. We advance social justice when we remove barriers that people face because of gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture or disability.”
Social Justice is the core of the global mission of the United Nations to encourage development and human dignity. The United Nations has adopted the International Labour Organization of the Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization which sets an example of the UN’s commitment towards Social Justice at the Global Level. This helps in making fair results for all, through social protection, employment, social dialogue, as well as fundamental principles and rights at work.
The World Day of Social Justice has a complex history which is associated with the affiliated organization of the United Nations. It is not a public holiday but an international observance celebrated annually on 20 February. The main motive is to eradicate any sort of discrimination and offer social justice and equality.
In 1995, the World Summit for Social Development was conducted in Copenhagen, Denmark and this summit resulted in the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action. The Act was a set of global agenda for dealing with unemployment, poverty, and social exclusion.
Later, In 2006, the International Labour Organization (ILO) adopted the Declaration on Social Justice to carry out fair Globalization. Through this, the United Nations reaffirms its commitment towards encouraging social justice.
On 26 November 2007, the World Day of Social Justice was formally declared by the United Nations General Assembly as an annual day celebrated on 20 February every year. This day marks the global need for sustained international focus on issues related to social justice.
The first World Day of Social Justice was celebrated on 20 February 2009.
Also Read: Right to Equality (Article 14-18)
Since its inception, this day has been celebrated with specific themes that highlight the importance of social justice at a global level. The theme for 2024 has not been announced yet. However, the theme of social justice focuses on the following areas:
- Ensuring equitable access to digital technologies and promoting literacy.
- Protecting privacy and ensuring ethical use of technology.
- Addressing algorithmic bias and discrimination.
- Promoting decent work and social protection in the digital economy.
Also Read: International Literacy Day
Previous Year Theme
Here are the previous year’s theme of World Day of Social Justice:
| Year | Theme |
| 2023 | “Overcoming Barriers and Unleashing Opportunities for Social Justice.” |
| 2022 | “Achieving Social Justice through Formal Employment.” |
| 2021 | “A Call for Social Justice in the Digital Economy.” |
| 2020 | “Closing the Inequalities Gap to Achieve Social Justice.” |
The UN is working hard every day to build a solid “society for all.” World Day of Social Justice marks Solidarity, social justice, harmony, and equality within and among nations.
The employment growth increased by 0.1% in 2008 which is quite less as compared to 2000-2007. As per statistics, over 60% of the workers lack any kind of employment contract which necessitates the need for literary knowledge among the workers.
Less than 45% of the workers who receive daily wages or monthly salaries are employed on a full-time basis and this percentage is also declining, which shows the condition of workers is degrading with inflation.
All the unemployment data reveals the fact that 600 million new jobs need to be created by the end of 2023 to keep pace with the growth of the working-age population.
Relevant Blogs
| Safer Internet Day | National Inventor’s Day |
| National Productivity Day | World Wetlands Day |
| Indian Coast Guard Day | World Radio Day |
FAQs
This day is celebrated to mark the importance of social justice and equality at the global level and to provide equal opportunities, wealth, and employment among the people irrespective of any social, economic, or religious discrimination in the society.
The theme for World Day of Social Justice 2024 has yet to be declared by the United Nations.
The first World Day of Social Justice was celebrated on 20 February 2009.
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