World Day of Social Justice
World Day of Social Justice is an International Day which is celebrated with an aim to promote Social Justice. It includes the efforts to tackle the issues such as gender inequality, unemployment, human rights, social protections or poverty. Many of the organizations including the UN American Library Associations which make statements on the importance of Social Justice for people. The United Nations General Assembly has decided to observe 20th February annually, approved on 26 November 2007 and starting in 2009, as the World Day of Social Justice.
History of World Social Justice Day
The World Summit for Social Development was held in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1995 and resulted in the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action. At this summit, there are more than 100 political leaders pledged to make the conquest of poverty and full employment, as well as stable, safe and just societies, their overriding objectives. They also agreed on the need to put people at the center of development plans.
Nearly 10 years later, the UN's member states reviewed the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action when they gathered at a session of the Commission for Social Development in New York in February 2005. They also agreed to commit to advance social development. On November 26, 2007, the UN General Assembly named February 20 as the annual World Day of Social Justice. The day was scheduled to be first observed in 2009.
How people celebrate the World Social Justice Day?
There are many organizations, including the UN and the International Labour Office, make statements on the importance of social justice for people. Many organizations are also planning at present for greater social justice by tackling poverty, social and economic exclusion and unemployment. Trade unions and campaign groups have been given an invitation to call on their members and supporters to mark the day.
The Russian General Confederation of Trade Unions made a declaration that the common slogan would be "Social Justice and Decent Life for All!"
Schools, colleges and universities may prepare special activities for the day or plan a week of events around a theme related to poverty, social and economic exclusion or unemployment.
Different media, including radio and television stations, newspapers and Internet sites, may give attention to the issues around the World Day of Social Justice.
