AU WATCH

20 February: World Day of Social Justice

World Day of Social Justice recognises the need to promote efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, exclusion, employment, gender equity and access to social well-being and justice for all.

The General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed 20 February as World Day of Social Justice. The day was observed for the first time in 2009, when member states were invited to promote the objectives and goals of the World Summit for Social Development.

As recognised by the World Summit, social development aims at social justice, solidarity, harmony and equality within and among countries. Social justice, equality and equity constitute the fundamental values of all societies. To achieve “a society for all” governments made a commitment to the creation of a framework for action to promote social justice at national, regional and international levels.

They also pledged to promote the equitable distribution of income and greater access to resources through equity and equality and opportunity for all. The governments recognised as well that economic growth should promote equity and social justice and that “a society for all” must be based on social justice and respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Source: United Nations: World Day of Social Justice