World Social Justice Day

World Social Justice Day, also known as International Social Justice Day, is celebrated on 20 February yearly to promote social justice and reduce inequalities worldwide. The United Nations General Assembly determined it in 2007 to raise awareness of the importance of social justice to ensure peace and prosperity for all people.

It is reminded that social justice is necessary to build inclusive societies that protect all individuals’ dignity, rights, and freedoms regardless of race, gender, religion, nationality, or social status. Various institutions and individuals come together to discuss social justice issues such as poverty, discrimination, human rights violations, and economic inequality and to take action to create a more just and equal world.

The 2023 World Social Justice Day theme was “Building a Green and Inclusive Economy.” It has been recognized that the economy plays a vital role in shaping social justice. The urgent need for a transition to a more sustainable and equitable economic model was emphasized. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated and marginalized existing inequalities in society. At the same time, this year’s theme has been determined as sustainability to urgently address environmental problems such as climate change and loss of biodiversity that affect societies disproportionately. Governments, non-governmental organizations, and individuals are called upon to support green and inclusive economic policies that create opportunities for all and protect the planet for future generations.

The importance of social justice was understood again after the earthquake disaster centered in Kahramanmaraş and affected ten different cities. Especially the disadvantaged communities in the region and the process they went through after the earthquake once again revealed the necessity of establishing social justice by all state and non-state institutions throughout the country. The International Day of Social Justice is essential to remind the world of this mission. The consolidation of the post-earthquake process and the disappearance of the traumas will only be possible with the establishment of social justice in society. By creating sustainable cities, communities that are both environmentally friendly and have a high level of welfare will be created.

Author:

Buğçe Ağca