History stands as evidence, our world seems more divided than ever. There is a wider range of issues that are dividing the nations and communities, from the political division to socio-cultural division, from the supporters of Monarchy to the supporters of a republican state. I truly believe that one large manifest which can unite the world, nations, and communities today is "Social Justice".
The concept of social justice heals many of the deeper darkest divisions that the world today is experiencing. Let me start the concept with the definition, having done my Google search I found that social justice is justice in terms of the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society. "Individuality gives way to the struggle for social justice". Wikipedia defines social justice as "Social justice is a concept of fair and just relations between the individual and society, as measured by the distribution of wealth, opportunities for personal activity, and social privileges". The common fundaments one can draw are the distribution of wealth, opportunities for personal activity, and social privileges.
Now let me dive into the social structure of this world, the world has long been fighting poverty, gender, racial inequality, and social inclusion, who should take on this important task of addressing above mentioned issues? The simple answer would be the state and its institutions, justice is the first virtue of social institutions. But the role and responsibility of an individual on social justice are also very crucial, institutions are nothing without individuals and communities and their ethos for a just society. Today's world needs a characteristic justice spirit of a community that motivates people to act according to the fundaments of social justice.
So today is the world day of social justice, an international day acknowledging the importance and need in promoting social justice which brings efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, unemployment, human rights, and social protection. This day manifests a peaceful and prosperous coexistence within and among all nations in this world, within and all communities and individuals.
“A Call for Social Justice in the Digital Economy” is the theme for World day of social justice, 2022.
COVID 19 Pandemic has created environments of remote working by digital platforms. These factors influenced labor opportunities and produced the digital divide and the year is advocating social justice in the digital economy.
On 26 November 2007, the General Assembly declared that starting from the sixty-third session of the General Assembly, 20 February will be celebrated annually as the World Day of Social Justice.
This day also advocates for full employment and support for social integration. Nepal is a nation of diversities, diversities, and beauty, not adversities if a nation can ensure social justice fundaments within its structures. After a decade-long armed conflict, Nepal is striding higher towards prosperity and development and the development and transformations must be sustained through the social justice mechanism.
Economic issues and disparities prevail in Nepal, this makes the majority of Nepali still involved in informal sectors struggling to sustain with minimal access to social security, quality education, and health facilities. Women empowerment, gender equality, and the implementation of social and economic rights are yet an issue in Nepal however, the Nepal government has been taking the issues of social justice very keenly and several national action plans, periodic plans, and acts are developed in these regards. The Constitution of Nepal delivers a great perspective in this regard. Today many organizations including United Nations and International Labor Organization make statements and organize programs on the importance of social justice and updates. This day is good, then, to depict social justice by celebrating and nurturing a social justice ethos.
May equality prevails, may justice be accessible across the globe.
Suyog Dhakal for Hamro Patro
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