World Day of Social Justice

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, some disturbing disparities have been illustrated in 2020.


World Social Justice Day is designated by the United Nations. It is observed every year on 20th February, to increase awareness of the correlation between social justice and the elimination of poverty. This day is observed to speak out regarding all the social discriminations. It also describes inequalities existing at the global level and mentions all the changes that are needed to fight this injustice.

The main objective of this day is to eliminate barriers of sex, class, racism, religion, etc. Thereby, promoting equality and justice all over the world. Social justice includes both basic human rights along taking care of the people who have faced discrimination in the past.

We cannot neglect the importance of social justice, like social justice and equality is important for peaceful and constructive coexistence within the countries as well as between the countries. It is vital to enforce the values of social justice to eliminate barriers of race, age, colour, nationality, religion, disability etc.

Read more: The birth anniversary of the brave heart of India- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

social justice

History of World Day of Social Justice. 

World Day of Social Justice is observed all across the globe yet there is no official public holiday. In 1995, a global summit for Social Development was held in Copenhagen, Denmark, which resulted in the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action. During the summit over 100 politicians dedicated themselves to fight against poverty and unemployment ensuring a stable and safe society. It was also assessed that citizens should be put at the forefront of expansion and development projects.

After 10 years, in February 2005, UN representatives examined the Copenhagen Declaration and the Social Development Programme. The main point of debate was also how to encourage social development. On 26 November 2007, the General Assembly of the United Nations announced 20th February, every year as ‘World Social Justice Day’. This day was observed for the very first time on 20th February 2009.

Following the new summit, Social Development will take place keeping in mind social equality, peace, harmony, and equality within and amongst the nations. The basic principles of all society are undeniably social justice, equality and integrity. The government must develop a system to foster regional, national and international social justice. Along with equal opportunities for employment, fair allocation of income, and better access of resources to the people in a country.

The theme of World Day Of Social Justice 2021

The United Nation predicts the effects of this pandemic would have a detrimental impact on the economy in the next few years and the necessity for foreign policy discussion and cooperation is intense as digital labour networks do not limit their operations The United Nation has selected ‘Social Justice’ this year to highlight the fundamental interests of employees who have now migrated to online platforms, particularly those in the global South, who have sacrificed their jobs because of not having an adequate digital infrastructure.

The theme for the World Day Of Social Justice 2021, is “A Call for Social Justice in the Digital Economy”. The digital industry is expanding and transforming the workplace. During the last 10 years, the growth of internet access, cloud computing and data has resulted in the spread of digital networks that have entered numerous industries and businesses. The effects of the COVID 19 pandemic in 2020, led to remote working practices which allowed and forced most of the business firms to continue their business online. Which led to further enhancement and growth of the Digital Economy. The turmoil further highlighted and intensified the increasing digital gap amongst developed and developing countries in regards to accessibility, affordability, availability and usable data on ICTs, and deteriorating of established structural inequalities.

Professionals working digitally are offered revenue along with the leverage of flexible working conditions. This new working change turned out to be a blessing in disguise for women, handicapped, youth, and migrants. There were also many new challenges that the professionals had to face i.e. justified work, fair income, social security, adequate quality of life, effective use of skills, and the right to form or join trade unions. Algorithmic monitoring practises are extremely concerned with workplace surveillance. The implications of the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the threats and disparities of location-based platforms. The main hindrance that the existing business platforms are facing is the capital needed for digitalisation especially for small and medium businesses and the poor availability of stable digital infrastructure.

The regulatory responses of many countries have undertaken to tackle certain problems associated with working conditions on digital workplace channels. There is an urgent need for foreign policy forum and collaboration as digital labour platforms function across several jurisdictions. The development of regional, national and international discussion and cooperation among multi-stakeholders is also important to ensure regulation protection and a uniform level of professionalism.

The celebration of World Social Justice Day 2021, urges the international community to find measures to meet sustainable growth, eradication of poverty, creation of employment and decent jobs, social security, gender equality, and access to social well-being for everyone. It, therefore, seeks to promote cooperation between member countries and specific United Nations organisations on requirements needed in the new age of digital technology to address the digital gap, provide better work opportunities and preserve labour and human rights.

5 key elements of social Justice

  • Access to resources

  • Equity

  • Participation

  • Diversity

  • Human Rights

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