World Day of Social Justice observed with theme preventing conflict and sustaining peace through decent work

20 February: World Day of Social Justice

The World Day of Social Justice was observed globally on 20 February 2017 with the theme "preventing conflict and sustaining peace through decent work”. The day is observed with an aim to recognise the need to promote efforts to tackle several issues like exclusion, unemployment and poverty.

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On the occasion, several organisations including the United Nations and the International Labour Office make statements on importance of social justice for people. According to United Nations, social justice is an underlying principle for prosperous and peaceful coexistence within and among nations. Social justice means removal of barriers that people face in the name of gender, ethnicity, age, religion, disability and culture.

United Nations General Assembly created the day in 2007 in accordance with the goals and objectives of the World Summit for Social Development and the 24th session of the General Assembly. It was created to devote a day, i.e. 20 February, as a day to promote national activities in accordance with the objectives and goals of the World Summit.

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The United Nations says that the observance of the day should support efforts of the international community in poverty eradication. It should also promote full employment and decent work, access to social well-being, gender equity and justice for all.