Social justice
Context:
- Labour Day, observed on May 1, is a day when we honour the contributions of all workers worldwide. This is a time to be proud, happy, and hopeful. We desperately need this three years after the COVID-19 catastrophe, which was followed by inflation, war, and shocks to the food and fuel supply.
Mistrust the harsh reality:
- For the vast majority of workers around the world, the pandemic’s promises of rebirth and “building back better” have not yet materialised. Real earnings have decreased globally, poverty levels are increasing, and inequality appears to be entrenched more than ever. Businesses have taken a beating. The combined effects of recent unforeseen occurrences were too much for many people to handle. Particularly impacted were small and microbusinesses, and many have had to shut down.
The remedies:
- By putting social justice first: In order to enable individuals to pursue both their material well-being and their spiritual development in settings of freedom and dignity, economic security, and fair opportunity, our policies and actions must be human-centered.
- When the International Labour Organization’s international membership signed the Declaration of Philadelphia in 1944, this strategy was decided upon following the Second World War.
- Focusing on “decent work”: According to Sustainable Development Goal 8, “Decent Work for All,” the best method to achieve targeted growth rates is by giving people access to good jobs that will enable them to support themselves and create a better future.
- Making sure that new technology supports and produces jobs; proactively addressing climate change concerns; and making sure we provide the jobs, skill development, and transition support needed for employees and businesses to benefit from the future low-carbon era.
- In order to build more cohesive and resilient societies, it is important to view demographic shifts as a “dividend” rather than a problem and to take supportive action in the areas of skills, migration, and social protection.
- In order for our social and economic structures to assist this shift towards social justice rather than keep us trapped in a policy “doom loop” of inequality and instability, they must also be reviewed and redesigned.
- In order for social discourse to be successful and vigorous, we must revitalise labour institutions and groups and evaluate rules and regulations that have an impact on the workplace.
Moving ahead:
- To make all of this a reality, we must reaffirm our commitment to international collaboration, step up our efforts, and build a more cohesive set of policies, particularly within the multilateral framework, like the Global Coalition for Social Justice.
- This alliance will develop a platform to unite a wide range of international organisations and stakeholders. In order for social justice to be prioritised in national, regional, and international policies and actions, it will be positioned as the cornerstone of the global recovery. Overall, it will make sure that our future is focused on people.
Conclusion:
- We have the opportunity to change the economic, social, and environmental landscape in which we live. Take advantage of this chance to construct just and resilient societies that can support long-term peace and social justice.
