World Day of Social Justice
Understanding, Acting, and Promoting Inclusion
The World Day of Social Justice, observed each year on February 20, was established by the United Nations following a resolution adopted on November 26, 2007, and first commemorated in 2008. This day serves as a reminder that social justice is a fundamental pillar of peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable societies.
In the spirit of the United Nations General Assembly, social development and social justice are inseparable from peace and security, both between nations and within societies. Conversely, lasting social justice cannot be achieved without full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.
Why Social Justice Remains a Priority
The United Nations emphasizes the importance of continuing efforts to advance social justice. Progress is made when barriers related to gender, age, race, ethnic origin, religion, culture, or disability are removed, ensuring decent living and working conditions for everyone.
Global data highlight the urgency of action:
- In 2020, one in five workers was still living in moderate or extreme poverty.
- In 2019, approximately 212 million people were unemployed worldwide.
- More than 60% of the global workforce—nearly 2 billion people—worked in the informal economy, often without social protection and facing a poverty risk twice as high as that of formal economy workers.
The Role of the International Labour Organization
At the same time, the International Labour Organization (ILO) is leading a campaign to encourage concrete actions against inequalities in the world of work. Its goal is to strengthen commitments to equality, promote decent work, and raise awareness of the importance of social justice worldwide.
Key Issues and Priorities for 2026
In 2026, the ILO will focus on:
- Reducing growing inequalities and promoting social inclusion
- Decent work, at the heart of the 114th International Labour Conference (June 2026)
- The elimination of child labour, the theme of an international gathering planned in Marrakech
Mobilization in Canada and the Commitment of the SNJM
In Quebec and across Canada, amid economic pressures affecting workers and families, the World Day of Social Justice gives rise to numerous initiatives. Community organizations, unions, and citizen groups use this day to raise awareness, denounce persistent inequalities, and promote actions toward a more equitable society.
The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) have long been part of this movement. Faithful to their educational, social, and spiritual mission, they are actively committed to social justice, human dignity, and solidarity. Justice and Peace committees, present in Quebec and in various SNJM regions, work to inform, educate, and mobilize, while participating in collaborative actions with community partners.
Through their engagement, the SNJM help foster collective reflection and support concrete initiatives aimed at transforming situations of injustice. The World Day of Social Justice thus becomes a meaningful opportunity to reaffirm the call to reflect, dialogue, and act, each in our own way, to build a more just, inclusive, and compassionate world.