World Day of Social Justice

World Day of Social Justice History

World Day of Social Justice seeks to highlight fair outcomes in social, economic and environmental matters. It promotes principles such as gender equality, indigenous rights, poverty eradication, and access to social wellbeing and justice for all. The observance serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding core tenants of human rights, social development, and dignity for all individuals, regardless of their social, economic, or cultural backgrounds.

World Day of Social Justice was ratified by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007, marking a global commitment to achieve social equity. For New Zealand, a country with a proud history of advocating for social justice, this day resonates powerfully. New Zealand has made significant progress in social justice issues, particularly in areas such as health care, education, and women's rights. However, challenges persist in areas like income inequality, housing, and the rights of Maori and Pacific peoples. The day serves as an opportunity for Kiwis to reflect on these matters, renewing and reinforcing their commitment to social justice.

In New Zealand, World Day of Social Justice is observed through various activities that instigate dialogue and action towards social equity. These can take the form of public discussions, educational programmes or community events focused on income inequality, sustainability, indigenous rights and other relevant topics. It serves as both a celebration of the strides made in social justice and a call to further action to solve persisting issues. World Day of Social Justice is held annually on February 20th, a day for all New Zealanders to unite in promoting a more equitable and inclusive society.

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.
• The New Zealand government has shown commitment to taking climate action, with recent policy initiatives including the Zero Carbon Bill, which aims to create a carbon-neutral economy by 2050. Climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, particularly indigenous Māori people and Pacific Islanders, making this an important issue for social justice in New Zealand.
• New Zealanders have a history of protesting against social injustice internationally; for instance, during the 1981 Springbok tour, massive protests took place against South African apartheid, which ultimately contributed to the apartheid's end.

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

Top things to do in NZ for World Day of Social Justice

• Read a book to learn more about Social Justice in New Zealand:
  Tangata Whenua: An Illustrated History - by Atholl Anderson, Judith Binney, and Aroha Harris
  Invisible Women of Prehistory: Three Million Years of Peace, Six Thousand Years of War - by Judy Foster
• Attend a Maori Culture Experience: Given that social justice often involves indigenous rights, this could be a meaningful activity and a chance to learn about the Maori culture firsthand.