Dear Editor,

Dr Martin Luther King Jr rightly said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” In recent years, the term “social justice” has become a significant part of public discourse; however, many of us are unaware of its meaning and far removed from its significance.

In a world riddled with strife and chaos, the shouts of justice reverberate through the web of disarray. Unfortunately, most of us have experienced some form of injustice, and the world has normalised it through State institutions and personal actions. The powerfully connected take advantage of the weak and mild-mannered. The employer who lacks integrity exploits his/her employees. The rights of the average person are breached constantly.

The UN’s definition of social justice is “an underlying principle for peaceful and prosperous coexistence within and among nations”. This can be interpreted as a world in which societies are based on the principles of equality and solidarity, understanding and valuing of human rights, and recognising the dignity of every human being.

The UN supports the principle in various ways, such as addressing economic inequality as well as access to education and health care, with the aim of creating a world in which everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Social justice is for everyone, which is why the UN pays attention to the needs of particularly marginalised and vulnerable communities to include refugees, indigenous peoples, and those living with disabilities. In recognition of the importance of social justice to the quality of our lives, the UN has designated February 20 as World Day of Social Justice.

In 2025, the theme ‘Strengthening a Just Transition for a Sustainable Future’ highlights the urgent need for an inclusive shift towards environmentally sustainable economies. This transition must address climate change and ensure fairness and social justice for workers, communities, and nations affected by these changes.

The day recognises that social development and social justice are indispensable for achieving and maintaining peace and security within and among nations, and that social development and social justice cannot be obtained in the absence of peace and security or in the absence of respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The five key principles of social justice are often defined as the recognition that different people have different needs and circumstances (equity); ensuring that everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed (access); enabling all individuals to play a role in the political, economic, and social life of their communities (participation); protecting the human rights of all individuals (rights); and valuing and respecting differences between people, such as race, gender, and sexual orientation (diversity).

Social justice is a foundation of the UN’s mission to promote peace, security, and human rights worldwide and is enshrined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, an international blueprint for peace and prosperity.

In keeping with the spirit of World Day of Social Justice, let us redouble our collective efforts by engendering a society in which no one is left behind on the journey towards a sustainable future.

Wayne Campbell

waykam@yahoo.com