World Day of Social Justice

World Day of Social Justice History

World Day of Social Justice highlights and promotes various issues pertaining to social justice across the globe. The United Nations General Assembly introduced it to bring attention to the need for balanced distribution of wealth, gender and racial equality, access to social protection, and the rights of indigenous people and migrants. It addresses economic disparities and seeks to promote fair labor rights and access to decent work globally, emphasizing solidarity, harmony, and equality.

The United Nations General Assembly declared February 20th as World Day of Social Justice in 2007, it came into force from 2009 onwards. Amidst various social justice issues, America has had a significant focus on racial equality, gender parity, and economic disparity. The day provides an opportunity to draw attention to these social and economic inequalities, it also recognizes the need for reforms in areas such as wage gaps, access to healthcare, education, and good-paying jobs across all demographics.

World Day of Social Justice is marked by numerous events organized by civil society groups, educational institutions, and government agencies. These include public speeches, community meetings, and lessons on social justice in schools and universities aimed at empowering the youth and promoting solidarity. Companies and organizations often host seminars and workshops to address issues of social injustice within their operations and wider industry spheres. As elsewhere, it is observed annually on February 20th, presenting an opportunity for Americans to unite, reflect, and seek solutions for the social injustices across the nation.

Facts about World Day of Social Justice

• The theme for World Day of Social Justice in 2025 was Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps for Social Justice. The theme for World Day of Social Justice in 2024 was Bridging Gaps, Building Alliances. In 2023 the theme was Overcoming Barriers and Unleashing Opportunities for Social Justice.
• The roots of social justice can be traced back to ancient societies, including those in Greece and Rome, where philosophers discussed ideas of equality and fairness.
• Social justice is not limited to one field of study. It ties in with sociology, philosophy, law, human rights, political science, and much more.
• According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, there were 733 hate groups spread across the U.S. in 2021.

In the News and Trending in the US for World Day of Social Justice

Top things to do in the US for World Day of Social Justice

• Explore 15 ways to advance social justice in your community.
• Donate to reputable charities or organizations that work toward social justice. Some suggestions are the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation and Campaign Zero.
• Watch a film depicting the struggle for social justice. Here are our suggestions:
  Just Mercy (2019)
  Selma (2014)
  Lee Daniel's The Butler (2013)

References