On World Day for Social Justice, ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder, called on governments, employers and workers to tackle rising inequalities and step up the global struggle for social justice: “Migrant workers, like all workers, are entitled to fair treatment and fair treatment for migrant workers is also key to preserving the social fabric of our societies and to sustainable development.” Image via Twitter: @whysgiving
World Day of Social Justice 2020: Creating a framework for action
World Day of Social Justice is observed annually on 20 February.
On World Day for Social Justice, ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder, called on governments, employers and workers to tackle rising inequalities and step up the global struggle for social justice: “Migrant workers, like all workers, are entitled to fair treatment and fair treatment for migrant workers is also key to preserving the social fabric of our societies and to sustainable development.” Image via Twitter: @whysgiving
Every year on 20 February the United Nations (UN) observe what they call World Day of Social Justice and to achieve ‘a society for all’ governments (including South Africa) made a commitment to the creation of a framework for action to promote social justice at national, regional and international levels.
The ultimate purpose of the day is to focus on the plight of social injustice throughout the world and to press for improvements and solutions.
World Day of Social Justice 2020: Theme
This year’s theme will focus on ‘closing the inequalities gap to achieve social justice’.
For the United Nations and the International Labour Office, the pursuit of social justice for all is at the core of our global mission to promote development and human dignity. The adoption by the International Labour Organization of the Declaration on Social Justice for a fair globalisation is just one recent example of the UN system’s commitment to social justice.
The declaration focuses on guaranteeing fair outcomes for all, through employment, social protection, social dialogue, and fundamental principles and rights at work.
Statistics shared by the UN shows that there are still a major gap when it comes to social justices. They also went on to share a few facts:
- Employment growth since 2008 has averaged only 0.1% annually, compared with 0.9% between 2000 and 2007
- Over 60% of all workers lack any kind of employment contract
- Fewer than 45% of wage and salaried workers are employed on a full-time, permanent basis, and even that share is declining
- By 2019, more than 212 million people were out of work, up from 201 million in previous years
- 600 million new jobs need to be created by 2030, just to keep pace with the growth of the working age population
Also read: Unemployment rate: Four industries still hiring in South Africa
What South Africans can do to help close the gap
South Africans can donate to various organisations within South Africa who are dedicated to eradicating poverty and inequality, such as the Social Justice Coalition that addresses housing in informal settlements.
If you cannot donate, you can still help by donating your talents, time and skills. For example, those in the legal profession can work alongside Lawyers Human Rights, an independent human rights organisation focused on public interest litigation in South Africa, while artists and designers can reach out to Art For Humanity. There might also be a dsicussion or two happening close to you:
