Today's Kindness #445: February 20, 2024
✊🏼Fight For Social Justice✊🏼
World Day of Social Justice is observed annually on February 20. Internationally, the world is plagued with unfortunate issues prohibiting millions from living a fair life. Many of the world's population, through no fault of their own, are deprived of basic facilities, such as homes, jobs, healthcare, education, nutrition, and more.
It must be the responsibility of the privileged to ensure that we can create a just world where social justice is a norm. If you want to contribute in an extremely meaningful way, you could enter the law profession – law school is expensive but here are some law scholarships that may help.
The world is facing significant issues including serious financial crises, high unemployment rates, poverty, exclusion among societies, discrimination, and lack of access to facilities that prohibit full participation in the global economy for developing countries. In 1995, Copenhagen, Denmark, hosted the World Summit for Social Development. This resulted in the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action. Over 100 political leaders took a pledge to alleviate poverty, work towards full employment, and create stable, safe, and just societies. They also decided that they needed to put people at the center of the development plans.
In 2005 in New York, the U.N.'s member states reviewed the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action at a session of the Commission for Social Development. They agreed to commit to advancing social development. Two years later on November 26, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly declared that starting from the sixty-third session of the General Assembly, February 20 will be celebrated annually as the World Day of Social Justice. On June 10, 2008, The International Labour Organization adopted the I.L.O. Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization.
Organizations across the world including the United Nations and the International Labour Office, make statements on the importance of social justice for people. Organizations also prepare and present plans for tackling issues and promoting social justice. Trade unions also participate and do their bit in marking this day.
How To Help:
Advocate For A Social Cause
There are several social issues that need attention. Do your research and advocate for a cause. It could be anything related to race, education, healthcare, malnutrition, etc. Use social media to conduct a digital campaign. Start a conversation, build dialog, call for action, and try to make a difference in the world.
Organize A Social Justice Event
Many social justice events take place around the world to raise awareness. You can either start one in your neighborhood to attract more people or volunteer to host an already recurring event. Contribute your time and efforts to create a fair world for everyone.
Educate Yourself On Social Issues
Many social issues go unnoticed due to the lack of information available in the world. Equip yourself with adequate knowledge through books, and conversations with the most affected groups. Travel around the world to see the conditions in other countries.
"We have a right to protest for what is right. That's all we can do. There are people hurting, there are people suffering, so we have an obligation, a mandate, to do something."
~ John Lewis