The World Day of Social Justice reminds us of persistent disparities in access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and justice. Tai Ji Men has a solution.
by Hans Noot
*A paper presented at the international webinar “Justice for Tai Ji Men is Justice for All,” co-organized by CESNUR and Human Rights Without Frontiers on February 20, 2024, United Nations International Day of Social Justice.
As it is February 20th today, we again focus on the annually repeating World Day of Social Justice. It is a United Nations initiative to raise awareness for social justice issues regarding inequality, poverty, and social exclusion globally.
In the complexity of our global society, the call for an unwavering focus on social justice resonates louder than ever. Increasingly, there seems to be a need to address systemic inequalities, promote inclusivity, and ensure the equitable distribution of resources and recognition of all human rights has become paramount. A steadfast commitment to social justice is key to fostering a harmonious and sustainable world.
Social justice embodies fairness, equality, and the protection of fundamental human rights for all individuals, irrespective of their background, identity, or socio-economic status. The contemporary landscape is marked by persistent disparities in access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and justice.
Education stands as a cornerstone for societal progress, yet around the world, millions face barriers that limit their access to quality education. Social justice demands an end to these disparities, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their socio-economic background, has the opportunity to acquire knowledge, skills, and train their intelligence. Globally, much can be gained from ensuring education for all.
Economic inequality is another pressing issue. The concentration of wealth in the hands of a few exacerbates inequalities, hindering social mobility and perpetuating cycles of poverty. A commitment to social justice involves the creation of policies that promote inclusive economic growth, equitable distribution of resources, and fair wages. The objective is a society where prosperity is shared by all.
Systemic discrimination and promoting diversity and inclusion are equally relevant. Discrimination based on race, gender, ethnicity, religion, or any other irrelevant factor undermines the principles of equality and justice. By dismantling discriminatory structures and fostering environments that celebrate diversity, societies can move towards a more equitable and just future.
The criminal justice system is not exempt from the imperative for reform. It would demand a legal framework that is fair, transparent, and free from biases. Criminal justice reform includes addressing issues such as mass incarceration, unequal sentencing, and the over-policing of marginalized communities. A fair criminal justice system is a tall order, as can be seen throughout the world’s nations. A focus on social justice compels societies to confront these challenges and strive for a legal system that truly serves justice for all.
Increasingly the world’s challenges are interconnected. Social justice calls for solidarity in addressing issues that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, whether through climate-induced displacement or uneven access to healthcare resources. And yet, whilst much needs to be tackled from a global perspective, we must not lose sight of national sovereignty and the values of democracy, law, and order. The answer to this conundrum is discussion and collaboration, and not world domination.
Social justice is first and foremost part of the inalienable rights individuals have, which are so well described by the diverse treaties and charters regarding human rights, such as in in old times, Roman Natural Law, later the England Bill of Rights of 1689, the USA Bill of Rights, the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights of 1948, the European Convention of Human Rights of 1950, the American Convention of Human Rights of 1969, and more. I applaud such initiatives.
Social justice has its roots as a moral imperative. It assumes the responsible role of treating all humans with the dignity humans deserve. At the same time, human rights are necessary for the preservation of the species. By recognizing, safeguarding, and even celebrating it, humans can remain at their rightful place in the animal kingdom, with the responsibility to protect the planet we inhabit.
The promotion of social justice goes beyond the realms of good governance, creating fair laws, and an independent and effective judicial system. It needs to be shaped by individuals and organizations dedicated to instilling values of equality, well-being, and social inclusion in all of us. Schools, religions, NGOs, and families play pivotal roles in fostering it. These institutions do not merely aim to impart academic subjects such as arithmetic, reading, writing, theology, and ethics; rather, they aspire to enrich society by upholding these fundamental standards. Dr. Hong Tao-Tze and his organizations, including the Federation of World Peace and Love, and his Academies, serve as models of how such endeavors contribute to the realization of social justice. Despite having been the subject of severe social injustice himself, he puts into practice his teachings regarding conscience and love. Examples of such high integrity have a greater influence on society than anything else.
In summary, the World Day of Social Justice emphasizes the contemporary need for an unwavering focus on social justice in the 21st century, addressing systemic inequalities in education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and justice. We need to bridge educational gaps, combat economic inequality, and dismantle discriminatory structures. I advocate for criminal justice reform.
Social justice is rooted in inalienable human rights and moral imperatives with an emphasis to care for the planet. Prioritizing fairness, equality, and human rights for building resilient and inclusive societies is of strategic importance. The role of institutions such as schools, religions, NGOs, and families in fostering social justice aid in realization social justice. Thank you for your attention.
Hans Noot is president of the Dutch Gerard Noodt Foundation for Freedom of Religion or Belief (GNF), named after the Dutch legal scholar and champion of religious liberty Gerard Noodt (1647–1725). He is a member of the International Advisory Board of the International Center for Law and Religion Studies (ICLRS) at Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, and co-organizer of “Breed Overleg Godsdienstvrijheid” (Wider Consultation on Religious Freedom), an initiative with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
