The World Day of Social Justice (Social Justice Equality Day) is an international day that recognizes the need to promote social justice by addressing issues such as poverty, exclusion, gender inequality, unemployment, human rights, and social protections. The United Nations General Assembly has decided to designate 20 February as the World Day of Social Justice each year, beginning in 2009.
Many organizations, including the United Nations, the American Library Association (ALA), and the International Labour Organization, have issued statements emphasizing the importance of social justice for people. Many organizations also present plans to address poverty, social and economic exclusion, and unemployment in order to achieve greater social justice.
According to the UN, the day emphasizes the importance of international communities working together to find solutions to achieve sustainable development, eradicate poverty, promote full employment and decent work, universal social protection, gender equality, and equal access to social well-being and justice for all.
“Overcoming Barriers and Unleashing Opportunities for Social Justice” is the theme for World Social Justice 2023. Every year, a new theme for the day is announced, and the celebrations revolve around that theme. According to the United Nations, equality and non-discriminatory informal employment are stepping stones to social justice, so this theme has been chosen for 2023.
This year’s theme focuses on Our Common Agenda recommendations to strengthen global solidarity and rebuild trust in government. It also provides an opportunity to foster dialogue with Member States, youth, social partners, civil society, UN organizations, and other stakeholders on the actions required to strengthen the social contract, which has been shattered by rising inequalities, conflicts, and weakened institutions designed to protect workers’ rights.
