World Social Justice Day Marked, Focus on Reducing Inequality

World Social Justice Day is being observed globally today, February 20, with the aim of promoting social justice and reducing inequality. Various international policy initiatives have been undertaken to ensure social justice, equal opportunities, and inclusive development.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) unanimously adopted the Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization on June 10, 2008. This declaration is considered the ILO’s third major policy document, following the 1944 Philadelphia Declaration and the 1998 Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. It outlines the organization’s contemporary approach to strengthening labor rights, social protection, and equal opportunities in the era of globalization.

Similarly, recognizing the efforts of institutions and civil society working for social justice, the United Nations General Assembly declared November 26, 2007, that February 20 would be observed annually as World Day of Social Justice.

In Nepal, social security allowances are provided to senior citizens, single women, persons with disabilities, marginalized communities, endangered indigenous groups, and children. However, due to the lack of clear economic and social categorization, both vulnerable groups and relatively capable individuals have been receiving similar benefits.

According to experts, social security programs need to be reviewed and better targeted toward genuinely disadvantaged and marginalized groups. It is also noted that the goal of social justice remains incomplete, as development programs have not fully adopted inclusive strategies that reach communities outside the mainstream and those in remote geographical areas.